Police Pursue Stolen Ambulance in 3 am Cross County Car Chase

A patient who was released at 3 am from an emergency room in New Rochelle found a novel way to leave the hospital. He stole an ambulance. He was pursued by police officers from New Rochelle, Eastchester and Scarsdale, and collided with both the Eastchester and Scarsdale Police. But even that didn't stop him. He drove through Greenburgh, White Plains and to Irvington where he was finally stopped by a collision with a utility pole.

Here's a report from the New Rochelle Police Department

At approximately 03:01 am on September 17, 2024, New Rochelle Police received a report from Empress Ambulance personnel that a patient recently released from the Emergency Room had stolen an ambulance. NRPD officers quickly located the stolen ambulance on Lawn Avenue. The vehicle, however, fled from officers who then pursued the ambulance. The pursuit led the ambulance into Eastchester, where the Eastchester Police Department and Scarsdale Police attempted to stop the vehicle. The stolen vehicle collided with both Eastchester and Scarsdale police vehicles during the chase.

The ambulance then continued to evade capture, moving through Scarsdale, Greenburgh, White Plains, and eventually into Irvington. The chase concluded when the vehicle struck a utility pole in Irvington. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. First aid was administered, and he was transported to Westchester Medical Center for evaluation. He was later discharged after suffering only minor injuries. Remarkably, no officers or citizens sustained injuries, and no NRPD vehicles were damaged during the incident.

The New Rochelle Police Department commends the officers and supporting agencies for their swift and effective response in resolving this dangerous situation. The collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies ensured a safe conclusion to the incident.

ARRESTED:
Ernest Burkett, 41 years of age, of New Rochelle, NY.

CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
120.25 Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree – D Felony
165.52 Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree – C Felony 155.40 Grand Larceny 2nd Degree – C Felony
270.25 Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer 3rd Degree – A Misdemeanor 145.10 Criminal Mischief 2nd Second Degree – D Felony