KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities made an unusual traffic arrest after efforts by several agencies to stop a stolen ambulance on Thursday.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department said it was notified on Aug. 29 about a First Priority ambulance stolen in West Columbia. A deputy located the ambulance around 5 p.m. at Clemson Road and I-20 East. Authorities said the deputies attempted to stop the ambulance, but the driver didn't pull over, so a chase followed and went several miles into Kershaw County.
The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office was then involved in the chase. They said spike strips were used multiple times but were unsuccessful in deflating the ambulance's tires. Kershaw County deputies said the driver drove through the median on I-20, heading toward oncoming traffic near the 100-mile marker. A deputy used his vehicle to stop the ambulance.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department said a 50-year-old man was taken into custody and brought to an unnamed secure facility. Upon his release from that facility, Richland County said it intended to charge him with failure to stop for blue lights. Charges are also pending from West Columbia Police and the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office.
No injuries were reported, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the collision at the end of the pursuit.