A Huntington man has been charged with grand larceny, leaving an accident scene, and the battery of a police officer after he allegedly stole an ambulance in his hospital gown and crashed into three cars last week.
The man was a hospital patient and he was caught by police soon after the car accidents occurred. Some people did suffer minor injuries in the collisions, according to a news report.
Reports have not stated how the hospital patient managed to leave the hospital and steal an ambulance on the premises, but the 40-year-old man appeared to do just that.
The man allegedly stole the ambulance at around 6 p.m. July 23 and soon afterward crashed into three cars. After wrecking the ambulance, he fled from the scene of the accident, according to police. Police say that they were able to locate the fugitive patient while he was hiding in some shrubs. It was during this scuffle that the man allegedly kicked a police officer who was trying to apprehend him.
Police have stated that they expect the man to undergo a psychiatrist’s evaluation.
It isn’t everyday that extremely recognizable vehicles like ambulances are stolen. Police are not sure what may have prompted this West Virginia man to steal an ambulance.
Accidents involving stolen vehicles can be complicated from a liability standpoint. In this case, for example, victims may want to determine whether the hospital is at all responsible for the theft of the ambulance. Of course, it is not possible to speculate at this time whether that could be the case. Those who are injured in accidents involving stolen vehicles may benefit from seeking legal guidance in order to learn how to obtain compensation for their injuries and expenses.
Source: WSAZ News Channel 3, “Update: man accused of stealing ambulance, name released,” July 23, 2013
