Ambulance crew was responding to a call when thief stole their vehicle

QUINCY — A man was arrested after allegedly stealing an ambulance in Quincy.

Miguel Quintinilla, 26, was booked into Grant County Jail Saturday night for theft in the first degree, malicious mischief in the first degree, attempt to elude and driving with a suspended license in the third degree.

A Quincy Valley Ambulance Service ambulance and crew responded to a call for aid at a residence on D Street, Quincy Detective Paul Snyder stated Tuesday.

“The ambulance was stolen while the crew was inside the residence assisting a patient,” he explained. “The ambulance was observed traveling southbound on Road P Northwest by a Grant County Sheriff’s Office unit. Prior to attempting to stop the ambulance, the deputy waited for additional units. While backup was en route, the ambulance drove south of Road P Northwest and headed west on Interstate 90.”

The pursuing deputy activated lights and sirens and Quintinilla reportedly continued and exited the interstate at Silica Road. There was heavy traffic from motorists leaving the George Amphitheater in the area.

“Speeds of the ambulance varied from 40 to 60 mph during the entire chase,” Snyder explained. “At no time during the pursuit did the suspect activate the ambulance’s lights and siren.”

Eventually Quintinilla stopped for law enforcement in the area of Baseline Road and Silica Road where he was taken into custody.

When authorities asked Quintinilla why he took the ambulance he allegedly said, “drugs.”

The sheriff’s office and the Washington State Patrol recovered the ambulance.