Los Angeles County, California – A dramatic and unusual police pursuit unfolded Friday night after a suspect stole a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance and led authorities on a lengthy chase from the San Fernando Valley into the Antelope Valley, according to law enforcement.
The incident began in Northridge, where officials said the ambulance was taken directly from an active emergency scene. From there, the suspect drove onto major freeways, activating the ambulance’s emergency lights while multiple patrol units followed closely behind.
Ambulance Taken From Active Emergency Scene in Northridge
Authorities confirmed that the ambulance was stolen from a response location in Northridge, a neighborhood in the northwest San Fernando Valley. Aerial footage showed multiple fire trucks still staged at the original scene, though officials have not disclosed what type of emergency first brought crews there.
The theft raised immediate safety concerns, as the vehicle is typically equipped with medical supplies and is designed for emergency response, not high-speed pursuits.
AIR7 Captures Freeway Chase Live
The pursuit was broadcast live by AIR7, which followed the ambulance as it traveled westbound and eastbound on surface streets before merging onto the 210 Freeway.
From above, the ambulance could be seen driving at freeway speeds with its emergency lights flashing, surrounded by several marked and unmarked law enforcement vehicles. Officers appeared to maintain a controlled distance, standard practice during pursuits involving large or heavy vehicles.
Chase Moves Onto the 14 Freeway Toward Antelope Valley
As the pursuit continued, the suspect headed north on the 14 Freeway, moving out of the densely populated San Fernando Valley and into the more open terrain near Agua Dulce.
Law enforcement officials coordinated across jurisdictions as the chase crossed multiple areas of Los Angeles County, with ground units taking over while air support monitored from above.
Heavy Fog Forces Air Support to Pull Back
As the ambulance entered the Antelope Valley region, conditions became more dangerous. Heavy fog significantly reduced visibility, prompting all aerial units, including AIR7, to pull away from the pursuit for safety reasons.
Despite the loss of air coverage, officers on the ground continued tracking the stolen ambulance using patrol vehicles and coordinated radio communication.
CHP Uses Spike Strip to End the Pursuit
The California Highway Patrol confirmed that officers ultimately deployed a spike strip near Palmdale, successfully disabling the ambulance.
After the tires were punctured, the vehicle slowed to a stop, and officers took the suspect into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported in connection with the pursuit, according to preliminary information.
Suspect Arrested in Palmdale
The arrest took place in the Palmdale area late Friday night. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or stated whether additional charges—such as vehicle theft, evading police, or endangering public safety—will be filed.
Investigators are also working to determine how the suspect gained access to the ambulance and whether any medical equipment was damaged or removed during the chase.
Why Stolen Emergency Vehicles Are Especially Dangerous
Law enforcement officials stress that stolen emergency vehicles pose unique risks. Ambulances are larger and heavier than most passenger vehicles, have higher centers of gravity, and are not designed for evasive driving. When used improperly, they can endanger motorists, pedestrians, and first responders.
Additionally, emergency lights can confuse drivers, who may instinctively slow down or pull over, increasing the risk of collisions during a pursuit.
Investigation Continues
The Los Angeles Fire Department is expected to conduct an internal review to determine how the ambulance was taken from the scene and whether any procedural changes are needed to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, CHP and local agencies are reviewing pursuit footage and radio logs as part of their standard post-incident process.
Authorities emphasized that public cooperation—such as avoiding active chases and yielding to emergency vehicles when instructed—helps reduce risks during unfolding incidents like this one.
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