A 31-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after stealing an ambulance from outside the Royal Stoke University Hospital while a patient and paramedic were inside.
The incident occurred at around 8.15pm on Wednesday, March 25, when the suspect entered the parked ambulance and drove off. A paramedic, a patient, and another individual were in the rear of the vehicle at the time. Police believe no keys were left in the ambulance.
A large police operation was launched, involving a dog unit and the force's aircraft, as officers tracked the vehicle through the Chesterton area. The ambulance was eventually stopped at an Esso petrol station on the A34, at the junction of Liverpool Road and London Road.
The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by a police dog. He was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, vehicle theft, drink-driving, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. No injuries were reported among those inside the ambulance.
Staffordshire Police have confirmed the man will be questioned in custody. Witnesses are urged to call 101 and quote incident number 743 of March 25.
