Niles, IL – A suspect who stole an ambulance from a north suburban Portillo’s restaurant, with an employee still inside, was apprehended by law enforcement after a brief chase along Interstate 294 on Tuesday afternoon. The dramatic event unfolded around 3:54 p.m. when the suspect took control of the ambulance and led authorities on a high-speed chase before being stopped by Illinois State Police.
The Incident at Portillo’s
According to authorities, the suspect entered an ambulance parked outside Portillo’s, located at 8832 W. Dempster St., in Niles. At the time, a service employee was inside the vehicle, unaware that a theft was about to unfold. The suspect swiftly drove off with the employee still inside the ambulance, prompting the employee to immediately call 911 for help.
The employee’s quick thinking and ability to call for assistance led police to track the stolen ambulance as it sped southbound on Interstate 294. Authorities were able to pinpoint the ambulance’s location, triggering a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies to stop the vehicle.
High-Speed Chase and Police Response
As the ambulance continued to travel along I-294, the suspect’s route was monitored by telecommunicators who shared the information with responding police. Illinois State Police troopers, along with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies, were able to track down the ambulance near I-294 and Ogden Avenue.
Using their training and coordination, the police successfully stopped the stolen ambulance and apprehended the suspect without incident. The suspect was taken into custody and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, though authorities did not specify the nature of any injuries or health concerns.
No Harm to Employee
Fortunately, the employee who was in the rear of the ambulance during the theft was unharmed. Police confirmed that no injuries were reported from the incident involving the employee, who was understandably shaken by the experience. The employee’s prompt action to call 911 likely contributed to the rapid response from law enforcement, ensuring the safe resolution of a dangerous situation.
Investigation Underway
The Niles Police Department has launched an investigation into the theft and subsequent events. Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the suspect, including their identity or the motive behind the theft of the ambulance.
Local residents were left stunned by the audacity of the crime, as it unfolded in broad daylight at a well-known restaurant. Many questioned how such an incident could occur in a busy area, especially with the employee still inside the vehicle. However, thanks to the swift actions of the employee and police, the situation ended without serious harm.
The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the theft.
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