Ambulance Stolen in Memphis, Suspect Arrested After Chase

No injuries reported as police apprehend driver following pursuit through Parkway Village

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:23am

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A private ambulance was reportedly carjacked at an intersection in Memphis on Saturday afternoon, leading to a brief police chase that ended with the suspect's arrest in the Parkway Village neighborhood. The Memphis Police Department said the stolen rig was spotted, a traffic stop was attempted, and the driver refused to comply, triggering the pursuit that wrapped up on Foxhall Drive.

Why it matters

Ambulance thefts have become a concerning trend nationwide, with industry reports highlighting over 40 such incidents across the country in an 18-month span. These crimes raise public safety issues and can strain emergency response capabilities when critical vehicles are taken from service.

The details

According to police, officers were first dispatched to the intersection of Sam Cooper Boulevard and Tillman Street around 12:04 p.m. on Saturday after the private ambulance was reportedly carjacked. MPD said they spotted the stolen rig, tried to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to comply, leading to a pursuit that ended in the Parkway Village area. The suspect was taken into custody, and no injuries were reported.

  • The incident was first reported around 12:04 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • The police chase and arrest of the suspect occurred in the Parkway Village neighborhood of Memphis.

The players

Memphis Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the reported ambulance theft, initiated the pursuit, and arrested the suspect.

Suspect

An unidentified individual who allegedly carjacked the private ambulance, leading to the police chase and arrest.

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What’s next

The Memphis Police Department has not released the suspect's name or details on potential charges, stating that the investigation is ongoing. Officials are expected to provide more information as the case progresses.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing problem of ambulance thefts nationwide, which can compromise public safety and emergency response capabilities. It highlights the need for improved security measures and vigilance to prevent such crimes from occurring, especially in high-risk areas.