Suspect Arrested After Stealing Memphis Ambulance in West Memphis

Arkansas State Police stopped the stolen vehicle after a pursuit through the city.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:50pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a deflated ambulance tire against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the recovery of a stolen emergency vehicle.The deflated tire of a stolen Memphis ambulance, recovered by Arkansas State Police after a pursuit through West Memphis.West Memphis Today

A 63-year-old West Memphis woman named Vanessa Bowen has been arrested after allegedly stealing a Memphis Fire Department ambulance and leading Arkansas State Police on a pursuit through West Memphis early Friday morning. The incident began around 2 AM when ASP was notified the ambulance was traveling westbound on Interstate 40 into Arkansas, and ended with Bowen's arrest in a hospital parking lot after police used spike strips and a tactical vehicle intervention to stop the stolen vehicle.

Why it matters

Theft of emergency vehicles can pose a serious public safety risk, as the stolen ambulance could have been used to transport patients or respond to other calls. This incident highlights the importance of quick law enforcement response and coordination to apprehend suspects and recover stolen property, especially when it involves critical public safety resources.

The details

According to authorities, Bowen struck spike strips deployed by West Memphis police, causing the ambulance's tires to deflate. She then continued driving onto 7th Street toward the interstate, prompting Arkansas State Police troopers to attempt a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI) to prevent the ambulance from entering the highway system. Bowen then turned the ambulance into the parking lot of Baptist Memorial Hospital, where she was taken into custody without further incident.

  • Around 2 AM on Friday, April 18, 2026, Arkansas State Police were notified the stolen Memphis ambulance was entering Arkansas on Interstate 40.
  • West Memphis police deployed spike strips on Ingram Boulevard near Baron Avenue, which the ambulance struck.
  • After the ambulance turned onto 7th Street, Arkansas State Police attempted a TVI maneuver to stop it from reaching the interstate.

The players

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.

Arkansas State Police (ASP)

The state law enforcement agency that located the stolen Memphis ambulance, pursued it, and ultimately apprehended the suspect.

West Memphis Police Department

Local law enforcement that assisted in the pursuit by deploying spike strips to disable the stolen ambulance.

Memphis Fire Department

The owner of the stolen ambulance, which was taken from their fleet in Memphis.

Baptist Memorial Hospital

The location where the stolen ambulance was stopped and the suspect was taken into custody in the hospital parking lot.

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What’s next

Vanessa Bowen will face a judge in the coming days to determine if she will be granted bail as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of quick law enforcement coordination and response to apprehend suspects who steal critical public safety resources like emergency vehicles, in order to minimize the risk to the community.