An unusual incident unfolded at a South Carolina hospital when a patient, feeling well enough, decided to steal an ambulance from the hospital’s parking lot, sparking a police chase. The Union County Sheriff’s office was alerted to the theft at Union Medical Center around 10:50 a.m. on a recent Friday morning.
A deputy who happened to be in the vicinity of the hospital attempted to intercept the stolen ambulance but was unsuccessful. The driver, later identified as 34-year-old Collier Bruce Simmons from Enoree, made a hasty escape, driving recklessly on Highway 49 in the direction of Lauren County.
Despite the deputy’s failed attempt to stop the ambulance, the police continued their pursuit, which extended into Spartanburg County. Simmons, who had managed to steal an ambulance from the hospital parking lot, led the police on a chase that spanned approximately 25 miles.
The chase eventually concluded near Highway 221 and Parker Road, a considerable distance from the hospital. Simmons was apprehended without any further incidents. The reasons behind his hospital admission remain unclear.
Simmons now faces a series of charges, including grand larceny, failure to stop for blue lights, driving under suspension with a DUI-related offense, habitual traffic offender, and driving left of center.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable situations law enforcement officers often find themselves in. It also raises questions about the security measures in place at hospitals to prevent such incidents from occurring.