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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A man and a woman stole an ambulance from in front of Lovelace Hospital Downtown early this morning — with an employee asleep inside, Albuquerque police are reporting.

The pair then led police on a chase up Central Avenue and eventually to I-40 all the way to Edgewood. The Superior Ambulance employee was able to get out of the ambulance when it slowed near Pennsylvania and Central and was unhurt.

Police said they were eventually able to stop the ambulance using spike belts in the roadway with the help of Bernalillo County deputies.

Here is APD’s release on the incident:

At Approximately 3 am, a Superior Ambulance was parked at Lovelace Downtown, located at 106 MLK NE. One Male Superior employee was asleep in the rear of the Ambulance. One adult female and one adult male entered the ambulance and drove away, with the employee still inside.

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Albuquerque Police Officers were told that the Ambulance was headed eastbound on Central. Albuquerque Police Officers located the Ambulance in the area of Pennsylvania and Central. The Ambulance slowed and the Superior employee jump out. The Ambulance headed towards Interstate 40.

Albuquerque Police engaged in a vehicle pursuit eastbound on interstate 40. The Ambulance drove eastbound on I-40 and exited at the town of Edgewood. The Ambulance drove westbound on Interstate 40 and headed back into the city. Due to Radio Communication issues, the pursuit was broadcast over Bernalillo County Communications. Bernalillo County Deputies and Albuquerque Police Officers were able to deploy Spike Belts, which deflated the vehicles tires. Deputies did not actively engage in the pursuit, however assist with traffic control.

The Ambulance came to rest at Interstate 40, over Tramway. The adult male and adult female were taken into custody.

The Supervisor employee was not injured.