By Laura French
SHAWNEE, Okla. — An Oklahoma ambulance was stolen from a hospital with a patient still inside on Friday, police say.
Officials said the suspect jumped into the driver’s seat of the REACT EMS ambulance at the emergency room entrance of St. Anthony’s Shawnee Hospital, according to News 9. The paramedic who had been driving the ambulance had stepped out prior to the theft, and another paramedic fell out of the ambulance, sustaining minor injuries.
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers pursued the ambulance and stop sticks were deployed, according to KOCO. The ambulance stopped and the suspect reportedly fled on foot before being apprehended and taken into custody.
KFOR reports that a woman could be seen signaling to officers from the back of the ambulance during the pursuit. The suspect also reportedly told a Shawnee 911 dispatcher that he would let the patient go if troopers backed off, according to KFOR.
The paramedic who fell out of the rig is expected to be OK, officials said. Another ambulance was sent to the scene to retrieve the patient, whose condition was not reported.
The identity of the suspect has not yet been released.