Crime

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man suspected of stealing an ambulance in Columbia to escape from law enforcement allegedly told state troopers that he "should've just jacked a car."

Troopers arrested Sean M. Smith, 40, of Kansas City, on Thursday after he allegedly escaped their custody and stole a St. James ambulance from a parking bay at University of Missouri Hospital. Authorities found the ambulance nearby and later arrested Smith in the Midway area.

Smith was being treated at the hospital when he stole the ambulance, according to a probable car statement. Smith had led law enforcement on a chase that ended in Moniteau County earlier Thursday, according to the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office.

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The sheriff's office said Smith was driving a vehicle that was reported stolen in Kansas City and that he had several felony warrants for his arrest. Authorities found drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle, the sheriff's office said.

Smith has been charged in Boone County with vehicle theft and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Bond was set at $15,000 cash only.