Man arrested after stealing ambulance and leading law enforcement on chase in Hillsborough County

A Tampa man’s wild joyride in a stolen ambulance ended in a dramatic arrest on Saturday night, leaving authorities and onlookers stunned. Michael J. Esquilin, 43, now faces a slew of charges after leading law enforcement on a dangerous chase through Hillsborough County.

The chaotic incident began when Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers received a call about a Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance being stolen from HCA South Tampa Hospital. Within minutes, the stolen ambulance was located at a nearby intersection, but Esquilin refused to stop and instead sped off without activating the emergency lights or sirens.

What followed was a harrowing pursuit, with Esquilin driving recklessly, running stop signs, and even driving on the wrong side of the road. FHP officials reported that he narrowly avoided colliding with other motorists during the chase.

The chase finally came to a bizarre halt at an intersection, where Esquilin stopped the stolen ambulance and proceeded to finish drinking a beer in plain view of troopers. When law enforcement attempted to apprehend him, Esquilin put up a fight by holding onto the steering wheel.

After his arrest, Esquilin admitted to authorities that he had been drinking for the past two days and stole the ambulance because he was denied a ride home by emergency personnel. In addition to charges of burglary of an emergency vehicle and grand theft, Esquilin also faces charges of driving while license suspended, DUI, and resisting arrest.

The shocking incident has left the community in disbelief, with many questioning how such a brazen act could have occurred. As the case unfolds, residents are left to wonder about the motives behind Esquilin’s reckless actions and the potential consequences he may face.