Suspect steals ambulance with worker inside, leads troopers on chase along I-294 from Dempster to Ogden: Illinois State Police

COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — Illinois State Police reported that an individual who hijacked an ambulance while an employee was inside was apprehended following a pursuit on Interstate 294 in Cook County on Tuesday afternoon.

The employee called 911 about 3:50 p.m. to report someone had stolen the ambulance, and the employee was in the back, police said.

At least one person was detained.

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The ambulance was driving south on I-294 from Dempster Street to Ogden Avenue, police said.

It was driving erratically, before police surrounded the vehicle, video shows.

The ambulance was driving south on I-294, north of Ogden Avenue, when it got stuck in traffic.

Chopper 7 was following the vehicle. Prior to hitting traffic, it had been cutting off other cars.

Police set up spike strips, disabling the tires, and bringing the vehicle to a stop near Ogden.

Just before 4:30 p.m., police surrounded the ambulance and broke out the driver’s-side window, before at least one person was pulled out.

The suspect was taken into custody, and the employee was rescued.

Police were able to drive the ambulance off the highway and out of traffic.

The theft is under investigation.

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