Target 7: Two Roanoke Fire-EMS ambulances stolen within two weeks, prompting new safety measures

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Stolen ambulances are rare, but it does happen, and it can have a significant impact on public safety resources.

Just in the last month, at least four ambulances have been stolen in Virginia. A man was arrested for stealing an ambulance in Virginia Beach, and another man was charged for ambulance theft in Prince William County.

The other two were stolen from Roanoke City.

Roanoke Fire-EMS Chief explained how it was concerning to have two ambulances stolen in the community.

”It’s just very disheartening that there are people out there that would do that, especially when we’re trying to help somebody,” Chief David Hoback said.

The ambulances were stolen within two weeks of each other. The first happened at the Rescue Mission on January 30, and the second was stolen from the emergency department bay at LewisGale Hospital on February 13.

Chief Hoback explained no resources were impacted by the theft at LewisGale.

“The [incident] down at the Rescue Mission, there was a detraction of patient care because they didn’t know exactly what was going on,” Chief Hoback described. “Another ambulance came in and took care of that patient.”

No one was hurt in either incident and Chief Hoback explained both ambulances were recovered within 15 minutes.

“We have the ability to track our ambulances through GPS, so our dispatch center can see where they are at any given time,” Chief Hoback said.

After the first ambulance was stolen at the Rescue Mission, the station began improving safety measures on every rig and training staff to know what to do in case of a theft.

“If you get into the ambulance, the safety measure is activated if you press on the brake pedal, that cuts the engine off,” Chief Hoback said. “We’ll have all of our ambulances where they need to be so that they have safeguards so that somebody can’t just jump in and take off.”

Target 7 sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the City of Roanoke to learn the associated cost to resources and property. The City reports there was no loss associated with the two stolen ambulances. However, Chief Hoback explained it’s a situation the station wants to avoid at all costs.

“These ambulances are equipped with $450,000, so we have to be very mindful of that because that’s a lot of money,” Chief Hoback said. “The safeguards we’re putting in place will help prevent some of that [potential loss].”

Those safety measures are already installed in the majority of Roanoke City ambulances, and the rest will be upgraded in the coming weeks.

Salem Police arrested Jon Debord for stealing the ambulance at LewisGale. He is in custody and is charged with felony eluding and grand larceny. Antonio Hill is charged with felony grand larceny and assault and battery for stealing the ambulance at the Rescue Mission.