Alleged Intoxicated Man Steals Chicago Ambo, Crashes

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Oct. 02--A 36-year-old intoxicated man stole an ambulance from Norwegian-American Hospital early Sunday before crashing and needing treatment from another ambulance for his injuries, according to Chicago police.

Juan Hernandez, of the 3600 block of West Belmont Avenue, was charged this morning with criminal damage to government property and possession of a stolen motor vehicle, both felonies, police said.

He also was charged with a misdemeanor count of reckless driving and issued traffic citations for driving under the influence and driving without a license.

At about 1:40 a.m., paramedics were loading an empty stretcher into the unoccupied ambulance when the man jumped in and sped off, Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer said.

He crashed the ambulance one and a half miles away, in the 2500 block of West Cortland Street, Greer said. He hit several vehicles along the way.

He sustained minor injuries and was transported in good condition back to Norwegian-American Hospital, Greer said.

pnickeas@tribune.com