Chicago Man Charged After Police Chase in Stolen Ambulance

Introduction to the Incident

A Chicago man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a Cicero Fire Department ambulance and leading police on a chaotic pursuit that involved gunfire and multiple crashes on the city’s West Side.

Details of the Chase

Lamont Hill, 59, was arrested Friday after the chase ended near Central and Chicago Avenue in the Austin neighborhood. Authorities said the incident began outside Loretto Hospital when security escorted Hill from the building. A paramedic was inside the ambulance, another stood by the back doors, and a third was inside the hospital. Hill allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and took off with one paramedic still inside.

The Paramedic’s Escape

The paramedic managed to jump out of the moving ambulance about two blocks away, a Cicero spokesperson said. This daring escape likely prevented further harm to the paramedic involved.

Confrontation with Police

Chicago police later tried to stop Hill at West Jackson Boulevard and South Central Avenue. During the confrontation, Hill allegedly rammed squad cars while trying to escape. Police said shots were fired by an officer, though no one was struck. A law enforcement source told WGN-TV that both a squad car and the ambulance were hit by gunfire.

Pursuit and Crash

The pursuit continued until the stolen ambulance crashed near West Washington Boulevard and North Central Avenue, where officers took Hill into custody. The chaotic nature of the chase and the eventual crash highlight the dangers faced by both the public and law enforcement during such incidents.

Aftermath

Police said three officers were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Four others involved in the crashes were also hospitalized with minor injuries. Chicago police said Hill faces multiple charges in connection with the incident.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The specifics of the charges against Hill have not been fully detailed, but given the nature of the incident, they are likely to be severe. The legal proceedings will further illuminate the events surrounding the theft and chase.

Conclusion

The incident involving the stolen ambulance and the subsequent police chase underscores the potential for dangerous and unpredictable situations in urban environments. It also highlights the bravery and quick thinking of the paramedic who managed to escape the moving vehicle and the professionalism of the law enforcement officers involved in bringing the situation under control.

FAQs

• Q: What was the nature of the incident?
  • A: A man stole a Cicero Fire Department ambulance and led police on a chase involving gunfire and crashes.
• Q: Who was involved in the incident?
  • A: Lamont Hill, 59, was the suspect. Paramedics and Chicago police officers were also involved.
• Q: Were there any injuries?
  • A: Yes, three officers and four others were hospitalized with non-life-threatening and minor injuries, respectively.
• Q: What charges does the suspect face?
  • A: The specifics of the charges against Hill have not been fully detailed but are expected to be severe given the nature of the incident.

    Note: The video above is WGN’s original report the night of the pursuit