Florida Man Arrested After Stealing Ambulance, Activating Sirens, and Driving to Convenience Store for “Beer Emergency”
POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA — A Florida man is facing criminal charges after authorities say he stole an unattended ambulance, activated its emergency lights and sirens, and drove it to a nearby convenience store to buy beer, later claiming the situation was an “emergency.”
According to law enforcement officials in Polk County, the incident unfolded earlier this week when first responders temporarily left an ambulance parked outside a medical facility. Investigators say the suspect entered the vehicle, turned on the emergency equipment, and drove away without authorization. Witnesses reported seeing the ambulance traveling with lights and sirens engaged, creating the appearance of an active medical emergency as it moved through traffic.
Ambulance Driven to Convenience Store With Lights and Sirens On
Authorities say the ambulance pulled into a gas station at full emergency intensity, prompting bystanders to move aside under the assumption that someone inside was in urgent medical distress.
Instead, witnesses told police the driver calmly exited the ambulance, entered the store, and purchased beer along with snacks and lottery tickets. The man then attempted to leave the area before being confronted by law enforcement.
Officers later located the ambulance and took the suspect into custody without further incident.
Suspect Claimed Beer Run Was an “Emergency”
When questioned by police, the man allegedly told officers that he believed the situation justified the use of an emergency vehicle, citing dehydration, stress, and what he described as a “critical beer situation.”
Authorities said the explanation did not persuade investigators, noting that emergency vehicles are reserved strictly for medical or public safety emergencies. Officials also rejected the suspect’s claim that using lights and sirens was necessary to “beat traffic.”
No Patients Harmed, Ambulance Returned to Service
Law enforcement officials confirmed that no patients were inside the ambulance at the time it was taken and no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. The vehicle was recovered, inspected, and returned to service shortly afterward.
Police acknowledged that while no physical harm occurred, the misuse of an emergency vehicle posed serious public safety concerns and briefly disrupted trust among motorists and pedestrians who believed a real emergency was unfolding.
Charges Filed as Officials Issue Reminder
The suspect was formally arrested and faces charges related to the unauthorized use and theft of an emergency vehicle. Officials have not released additional details about potential penalties.
Authorities used the incident to remind the public that ambulances and other emergency vehicles are legally protected resources meant exclusively for life-threatening situations — not personal errands, regardless of perceived urgency.
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