Medic Unit Stolen from an Emergency Scene, recovered by police (Photo)

- 12/27/19

Kelso, Wa – Firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue (C2FR) responded to a private residence for a report of breathing difficulties in the Lexington area just after noon on Friday. While crews were attending to the patient, a family member left the residence and drove off in the Medic Unit. Responding crews immediately reported the theft and several police agencies initiated pursuit as the Medic Unit, with emergency lights activated, entered I-5 at MP 42 southbound. Fire crews remained on scene and assisted the patient with her home oxygen; the patient was not transported and remained home.

Washington State Patrol, Cowlitz County Sheriff Deputies, Kelso Police as well as Kalama Police pursued the vehicle as it proceeded southbound, crossing multiple lanes of travel, speeds of at least 80 mph with emergency light activated. Police units deployed spike strips on north and southbound lanes of I-5 which the suspect drove over at MP 25 southbound, flattening all 6 tires of the medic unit. The suspect then drove the unit into the median and partially onto the mainline Burlington Northern train tracks where he was taken into custody by multiple officers and K-9. The name of the subject has not been released. No injuries were reported.

Updates will follow, as information is available

Attached Media Files: MedicUnit.jpeg