Man Steals Ambulance, Drinks Beer In Front Of Police After Chase: Authorities

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa man faces charges after he stole an ambulance from a hospital and drank a beer in front of police after leading them on a lengthy chase, authorities said.

Michael J. Esquilin, 43, is charged with burglary, grand theft, fleeing and eluding, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest, according to police.

Troopers received an alert around 8:30 p.m. Saturday about a Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance stolen from HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Within 10 minutes, they found the ambulance at South Esperanza Avenue and West Bay to Bay Boulevard, according to police, who said authorities attempted a traffic stop but Esquilin fled, leading law enforcement on a chase for several miles, and running stop signs and driving on the wrong side of the road. He did not activate the emergency equipment on the ambulance but he did nearly collide with several motorists, police said.

Esquilin stopped at South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street, finished a beer and held tightly to the steering wheel as police tried to take him into custody, authorities said, adding he told officials he had been drinking for two days and stole the ambulance after emergency personnel refused to give him a ride home.