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Arrest in fire engine theft
Aaron Mesmer reports.
TAMPA, Fla. - A man is accused of being involved in a hit-and-run crash with a fire truck he stole from St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.
What we know:
According to the Tampa Police Department, Warren Scudder, 59, stole a fire engine while firefighters were inside the hospital shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
Police say Scudder drove off and crashed into a gray Lexus SUV near Dr. King Blvd and MacDill Ave.
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The driver of the Lexus, an adult male, reported hip pain after the crash and was medically evaluated by hospital staff.
Courtesy: Tampa Fire Rescue
Police were immediately dispatched and found the stolen vehicle shortly before 9:40 a.m.
Officers blocked the engine’s path in the 4100 block of Poplar Ave.
Scudder was taken into custody and charged with grand theft auto and hit-and-run.
Courtesy: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
What they're saying:
In a statement, Tampa Fire Rescue said, "We are grateful to the Tampa Police Department for their swift response and recovery of the vehicle within minutes. Thankfully, no Tampa Fire Rescue personnel were injured, and no serious injuries were reported as a result of this incident."
"The safety of our crews, our patients, and the community is always our top priority," said Tampa Fire Rescue Fire Chief Barbara Tripp. "We are thankful for the quick action of the Tampa Police Department."
What's next:
Additional charges may be pending.
The crash is under investigation.
The Source: This article was written with information provided by the Tampa Police Department.