There are some eye-popping police chases on the news from time to time. We have all seen them. Someone wanted by law enforcement careens wildly down street after street in a vehicle, going at unbelievable speeds, trying like mad to avoid capture. Eventually the takedown of the wanted individual ensues. It's exactly like a Hollywood movie, but much scarier because it's real life.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Such a police pursuit occurred in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, per TMZ. A man allegedly stole an ambulance and proceeded to attempt to dodge Florida Highway Patrol Troopers. He blazed though stop signs and traffic, drove dangerously down the wrong side of the road, and had some near-misses with other drivers. They must have been petrified of this person, who was apparently driving fast and erratically. The incident was filmed by a dashcam.
What Ended The Pursuit Of The Stolen Ambulance
At last, the man pulled over. Maybe he knew that the police would inevitably catch up with him, no matter what he did. At that instant, he downs a beverage, allegedly a beer. The cops opened his door and got him down on the ground. They had their man.
How The Incident In Tampa Reportedly Began
Per TMZ, the ominous situation started at 8:40 p.m. on Saturday. Florida Highway Patrol was informed that an ambulance had been taken from HCA South Tampa Hospital. The stolen ambulance was pinpointed shortly after police were notified it was swiped by someone. They tried to halt it, but the driver sped off, temporarily evading them.
The Driver Of The Stolen Ambulance Has Been Identified
The man who allegedly stole the ambulance has been identified, according to TMZ. He is Michael J. Esquilin. His age is 43 years old. He supposedly told police that he had been drinking alcohol for two days at the time. Esquilin reportedly claims that he took the ambulance because first responders would not drive him home.
He is now facing many serious charges. Per the outlet, they include "charges of burglary of an emergency vehicle, grand theft of an emergency vehicle, fleeing and eluding, driving while license suspended, resisting arrest, and DUI."
