Florida Man Steals Ambulance, Casually Sips Beer Before Arrest
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa man was apprehended after allegedly stealing an ambulance and finishing a beer right in front of law enforcement officers. The incident unfolded on Saturday evening, as reported by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Michael J. Esquilin, 43, is facing a slew of charges, including fleeing to elude at high speed, DUI (fourth or subsequent violation), driving with a revoked license, grand theft of emergency medical equipment, burglary of an authorized emergency vehicle, and resisting an officer without violence, according to official records.
The chaos began around 8:30 p.m. when troopers received a report about an ambulance stolen from HCA South Tampa Hospital. Within just ten minutes, they located the vehicle near South Esperanza Avenue and W. Bay to Bay Boulevard.
After an attempted traffic stop, Esquilin sped off in the ambulance without activating its emergency lights. The pursuit lasted several miles, during which he ran through stop signs and even drove on the wrong side of the road, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles, as detailed in the FHP statement.
Eventually, the chase came to a halt at the intersection of S. Hubert Avenue and W. Empedrado Street. In a shocking display of nonchalance, Esquilin was seen finishing his beer while still behind the wheel, right in front of the pursuing troopers.
As officers attempted to take him into custody, he reportedly clung to the steering wheel. Once he was secured, Esquilin allegedly admitted to drinking for the past two days and claimed he stole the ambulance after being denied a ride home by emergency personnel.
