Suspect Arrested After Stealing Memphis Ambulance

Arkansas State Police and West Memphis PD stop pursuit on hospital grounds

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a deflated tire from a stolen ambulance, the harsh flash lighting revealing the damaged rim and worn tread, conveying the intensity of the police pursuit without depicting any violence.The aftermath of a stolen ambulance chase that crossed state lines, exposing the dangers of reckless vehicle theft.West Memphis Today

Arkansas State Police and West Memphis police officers arrested a 63-year-old woman after she stole a Memphis Fire Department ambulance and led them on a pursuit that ended in the parking lot of a local hospital.

Why it matters

Ambulance theft is a serious crime that can put public safety at risk, especially when the stolen vehicle is used to flee from law enforcement. This incident highlights the need for coordination between different police agencies to apprehend suspects and prevent further endangerment of the community.

The details

According to authorities, the Arkansas State Police were notified around 2 a.m. on April 17, 2026 that a Memphis Fire Department ambulance had been stolen and was traveling westbound on Interstate 40 into Arkansas. Troopers located the vehicle in West Memphis and worked with the West Memphis Police Department to deploy spike strips, which deflated the ambulance's tires. The driver, identified as Vanessa Bowen, 63, of West Memphis, continued driving until the ambulance entered the parking lot of a local hospital, where she was taken into custody without further incident.

  • At approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, the Arkansas State Police was notified of the stolen ambulance.
  • Officers deployed spike strips on Ingram Boulevard near Baron Avenue in West Memphis, causing the ambulance's tires to deflate.

The players

Arkansas State Police

The state law enforcement agency that was notified of the stolen ambulance and assisted in the pursuit and apprehension of the suspect.

West Memphis Police Department

The local police department that worked with the Arkansas State Police to deploy spike strips and stop the stolen ambulance from entering the interstate.

Vanessa Bowen

A 63-year-old resident of West Memphis who was arrested and charged with theft of property, fleeing, reckless driving, and obstructing governmental operations for stealing the Memphis Fire Department ambulance and leading police on a pursuit.

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What they’re saying

“Ambulance theft is a serious crime that can put public safety at risk, especially when the stolen vehicle is used to flee from law enforcement.”

— Arkansas State Police

What’s next

Vanessa Bowen will be booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center, and additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of effective coordination between different law enforcement agencies to apprehend suspects and prevent further endangerment of the community when a stolen emergency vehicle is involved.