Police Chase Down Ambulance Stolen From Portillo's Parking Lot: Niles PD

NILES, IL — An ambulance was stolen from the parking lot of a Portillo's restaurant in Niles Tuesday afternoon, leading to a police chase on Interstate 294. According to the Niles Police Department, an employee of the private ambulance transport service that owns the ambulance was in the back of the vehicle when the incident occurred.

On Wednesday, police announced an arrest has been made in the case. Domanick J. Barr, 21, of Lansing, has been charged with two counts of aggravated possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved the charges.

Niles police said they received a call at around 3:54 p.m. Tuesday, regarding an ambulance being stolen from the Portillo's Restaurant at 8832 W. Dempster St. A man had entered the ambulance, which was running and occupied by the employee, and drove away from the restaurant without consent.

While in the rear of the ambulance, the employee was able to call 911, and dispatch determined the vehicle was traveling southbound on I-294. Illinois State Police were notified, who tell Patch the ambulance was eventually stopped by Elmhurst and Hinsdale police near I-294 and Ogden Avenue. The driver was taken into custody and then driven to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

The employee who was in the rear of the ambulance was found unharmed. There were no other occupants or injuries reported.

Niles police said the investigation is being conducted by its investigations division.