Suspect leads troopers on miles-long chase after stealing ambulance: FHP

A Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance was stolen from the HCA South Tampa Hospital on Saturday night and troopers arrested the suspect after a pursuit lasting several miles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

TAMPA, Fla. - A Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance was stolen from HCA South Tampa Hospital on Saturday night and troopers arrested the suspect after a pursuit lasting several miles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say 43-year-old Michael Esquilin of Tampa took off following an attempted traffic stop without the emergency equipment activated on the ambulance.

A suspect led troopers on a miles-long chase after he stole an ambulance from HCA South Tampa Hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

During the pursuit, the trooper's dashcam shows Esquilin running several stop signs, driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly colliding with several other vehicles.

Courtesy: Florida Highway Patrol.

The suspect eventually stopped at the intersection of South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street, where FHP says he finished drinking a beer in full view of troopers.