After being released from an emergency room, a man hijacked an ambulance early Tuesday morning, setting off a chaotic police chase across several New York towns.
In a startling incident, 41-year-old Ernest Burkett stole an ambulance from Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, leading law enforcement on a 30-minute high-speed pursuit through Westchester County, New York Post reported.
Ernest Burkett, age 41, found himself at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital early Tuesday and was discharged from the emergency room shortly before deciding to take an unexpected route out. Instead of exiting through the usual channels, Burkett commandeered an ambulance from the hospital's facilities around 3 a.m., sparking the beginning of an extensive police chase.
The stolen ambulance darted through the quiet streets of neighboring towns, disturbing the peace of the early hours. Burkett's wild journey cut through Eastchester, Scarsdale, Greenburgh, White Plains, and finally Irvington, trying the limits of local law enforcement.
Municipal police departments, including those from Eastchester and Scarsdale, mobilized quickly, responding to the unexpected threat. Officers attempted to intercept and halt the speeding ambulance, initiating a pursuit that would involve numerous police vehicles across jurisdictional lines.
"The pursuit led the ambulance into Eastchester, where the Eastchester Police Department and Scarsdale Police attempted to stop the vehicle," mentioned one police department in a release. The chase escalated quickly, with Burkett unyielding in his escape efforts.
The intensity of the chase increased as Burkett recklessly maneuvered the ambulance, resulting in collisions. "The stolen vehicle collided with both Eastchester and Scarsdale police vehicles during the chase," further elaborated the statement from authorities. Despite the risks, police continued their relentless pursuit of Burkett.
The chase reached a dramatic climax when Burkett, failing to negotiate a curve in Irvington, crashed the ambulance into a utility pole. The high-speed impact caused the ambulance to roll over before it finally came to a rest, marking the end of a perilous half-hour chase.
According to Irvington police, the crash was a direct result of Burkett's inability to manage a critical maneuver. "Failed to negotiate a curve" and "slammed into a utility pole and rolled over before coming to a rest," described the police about the scene which brought the dangerous episode to a close.
Following the crash, authorities found Burkett with minor injuries and promptly took him to Westchester Medical Center for treatment. The immediate medical attention stabilized his physical condition, though the implications of his actions were just beginning to unravel.
Soon after receiving medical care, Burkett faced the consequences of his frantic escapade. Authorities arrested him and charged him with multiple counts, including reckless endangerment, criminal possession of stolen property, grand larceny, unlawful fleeing a police officer, and criminal mischief. These charges reflect the severity and range of laws his actions violated.
Currently, the details of why Burkett was initially at the emergency room remain undisclosed. His motive for stealing the ambulance and initiating the chase continues to puzzle authorities and the community. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are awaiting further details as they piece together the events of that tumultuous morning.
Police chasing an ambulance through quiet town streets shook many residents. The early morning disruption and subsequent revelations about the chase's nature have sparked discussions on community safety and emergency vehicle security.
The police departments involved in the chase reviewed the incident to refine strategies for similar unexpected situations in the future. Meanwhile, community leaders are urging increased measures to prevent such an incident from happening again, emphasizing the need for stringent security protocols at medical facilities.
The incident also showcased interdepartmental cooperation among various police forces in Westchester County, highlighting the readiness and responsiveness of local law enforcement during a crisis. As the community recovers from the shock, many are applauding the officers' bravery and commitment to public safety.
