A Longmont paramedic crew needed rescuing itself early Sunday morning when its ambulance was stolen while the paramedics were helping an elderly woman.

Around 3 a.m., fire and medical crews responded to a call in the 1900 block of Corey Street from an 86-year-old woman who had fallen, according to Longmont police.

While the crews were in the residence, the paramedics from American Medical Response heard their ambulance beeping, indicating that it was backing up, said Jeff Satur, a Longmont police spokesman.

“They ran out there and saw their ambulance driving off,” he said.

Crews notified police immediately and the ambulance was located by officers shortly after 3:20 a.m., Satur said.

Police pursued the ambulance six blocks before the driver pulled over, according to the arrest report.

Taken into custody was Robert Elmar Taylor, 51.

“The man was intoxicated and made some statement about being cold,” Satur said.

Taylor had bloodshot eyes, swayed while standing and smelled of alcohol, police said.

No supplies were reported used or missing from the ambulance, and there was no report of the vehicle being damaged.

Taylor was arrested and charged with the theft of the ambulance and driving under the influence of alcohol.

In addition, Taylor had a warrant for his arrest for escape from the Department of Corrections and was listed as a missing person out of Fort Collins, Satur said.

Taylor was taken to the Boulder County Jail.

The 86-year-old woman was in good condition and resting at home Sunday, Satur said.

Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ryanparkerdp