A patient receiving emergency treatment in Stoke-on-Trent became the victim of a kidnapping on Wednesday night, after a man hijacked an ambulance parked outside the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The vehicle was stolen at approximately 20:15 GMT while the patient, a paramedic, and a third individual were still in the back. As the thief sped away, the three occupants were trapped in the rear compartmentu during the unauthorized journey.
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The Pursuit and Capture
Staffordshire Police tracked the stolen emergency vehicle as it fled toward Newcastle-under-Lyme. The pursuit ended at an Esso petrol station on the A34, near the junction of Liverpool and London Roads.
The driver attempted to escape on foot, fleeing into nearby marshland. However, a police dog and its handler successfully tracked the suspect, who was apprehended after a short foot chase.
Status of the Victims
Miraculously, authorities confirmed that no injuries occurred during the incident.
The Patient: Was immediately transferred to a second ambulance to complete their journey to the hospital. The Staff: A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that welfare checks were conducted on the paramedic to “maintain their wellbeing” after the traumatic event.
The Suspect and Charges
A 31-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent remains in custody. He is being questioned on several serious charges, including: Kidnap , Vehicle theft, Drink driving and Failing to provide a specimen
Official Investigation
The West Midlands Ambulance Service and Staffordshire Police have launched a joint investigation to determine how the vehicle was breached while active staff and patients were on board.
Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.
