Ga. Ambulance Stolen, EMS Provider Dragged 20 Feet
Feb. 21--An ambulance was stolen from The Medical Center late Monday, dragging the vehicle's driver 20 feet before the suspect escaped from the hospital, police said.
The ambulance, driven by hospital patient Johnnie Carter, 36, wrecked moments later at PTAP, 306 13th St. Carter was arrested at the scene and is at the Muscogee County Jail, said Columbus Police Lt. William Orlich.
The ambulance driver was at The Medical Center about 11:50 p.m. doing some paperwork with the ambulance's engine running when Carter, described in police reports as a psychiatric patient, stepped outside, Orlich added.
"A patient walked out, jumped in the ambulance and took off," he added.
The driver tried to stop the ambulance and was dragged 20 feet before being thrown from the vehicle, Orlich said.
Police say Carter then drove south from the hospital before running the ambulance into PTAP, which is on 13th Street near Veterans Parkway. "He ran the ambulance into the building," Orlich said.
Officers found Carter sitting inside the business with cuts to his forehead. Police took Carter back to the hospital and then to jail. Carter is charged with aggravated assault, theft by taking motor vehicle, second-degree criminal damage to property and traffic violations, Orlich said.
Carter, who's being held without bond, is scheduled for Columbus Recorder's Court at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Copyright 2012 - Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Ga.
