TX Ambulance Carjacked at Gunpoint with EMT, Patient Inside

July 23, 2021
A gunman opened fire at a Houston Fire Department ambulance and forced an EMT out of the unit at gunpoint before driving off with another EMT and a patient in the back.

A Houston ambulance was carjacked at gunpoint with an EMT and patient still inside early Friday.

According to the Houston Fire Department, the ambulance was transporting a patient at about 3 a.m. in the city's Meyerland section, KHOU-TV reports. That's when a man opened fire, forcing the unit to stop.

The man allegedly threatened the EMT driving the ambulance, and the medic got out of the unit. The gunman then drove off with another EMT still in the back with a patient.

When the EMT in the ambulance realized something was wrong, she peered through the back window to the cab to see the suspect behind the wheel. The man pointed the gun at the EMT, who returned to treating the patient.

The ambulance eventually was found through GPS, and the EMT and patient were still inside. Police apprehended the suspect, and the patient was taken to the hospital in another ambulance.

“This is not part of their job to be kidnapped and assaulted at gunpoint,” Fire Chief Samuel Peña said. “We’re very thankful that everybody is OK, but it’s not acceptable for our firefighters and EMTs to be assaulted when their job is to go out there and make a positive impact.”

Peña lauded the EMT for working to de-escalate the situation while still treating the patient.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!