After a lengthy search, a Houston Fire Department ambulance driver accused of stealing an ambulance while in crisis has been captured.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was taken into custody on Wednesday night after a five-hour search. According to the Houston Fire Department, the ambulance was stolen from Station 51 in the city’s Midtown neighborhood around 3:30 p.m.
The ambulance driver, who was reportedly in an emotional crisis, left the station and drove off in the ambulance. HFD officials said the driver had been a long-time employee and was well-known by the other firefighters.
The Houston Police Department, the Houston Fire Department, and the Houston Emergency Medical Services all assisted in the search for the ambulance. After a five-hour search, the ambulance was located and the driver was taken into custody without incident.
The driver is now being evaluated by medical professionals to determine the best course of action. No charges have been filed at this time.
The Houston Fire Department released a statement saying, “We are grateful that the driver was located and taken into custody without incident. We are thankful for the assistance of all the agencies involved in the search and we are committed to providing support to the driver and their family during this difficult time.”
The incident is still being investigated and more information is expected to be released in the coming days.