Man chugs beer in stolen ambulance before being arrested by police, authorities say

A man is facing charges after he allegedly stole an ambulance from a hospital. (Source: Florida Highway Patrol via CNN Newsource)
Published: Mar. 18, 2025 at 9:14 AM EDT|Updated: 22 hours ago
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TAMPA (CNN) - A Florida man is facing charges after he allegedly stole an ambulance from a Tampa hospital and led police on a chase over the weekend.

The whole incident was caught on dash camera video.

The Florida Highway Patrol says troopers spotted the ambulance shortly after receiving the alert and attempted a traffic stop but the driver took off.

The chase went on for several miles during which authorities say 43-year-old Michael J. Esquilin drove on the wrong side of the road and nearly crashed into other drivers.

The ambulance finally came to a stop in a neighborhood where Esquilin chugged a beer in view of the troopers and resisted arrest, according to authorities.

He allegedly told troopers that he had been drinking the entire two days prior and stole the ambulance when emergency personnel refused to give him a ride home.

Esquilin is facing several charges including grand theft of an emergency vehicle, driving with a suspended license, DUI and resisting arrest.