A suspect is in custody in the Tomball area after authorities say he stole an ambulance while a medic was still inside it, a brazen theft that ended only after deputies gave chase.
Harris County Precinct 4 deputies responded to the scene near Bold River Road and Doves Landing at around 3:30 on Monday afternoon, according to authorities, after word that the emergency vehicle had been taken.
Deputies say the suspect tried to run from them but was caught after what they described as a brief chase, bringing the incident to a quick end not far from where it began.
Crucially, the medic who had been inside the ambulance when it was taken was not hurt. That detail eased what could have been a far more dangerous situation for the emergency worker caught up in the theft.
The theft of a working ambulance, particularly with a medic still on board, is an unusual and alarming case for the area, and it drew a fast response from Precinct 4 deputies who moved to stop the vehicle before anyone was injured.
The suspect remained in custody following the arrest as authorities continued to work the case. Officials had not released further details about what led up to the theft or what charges the suspect would face.