Ambulance theft ends in Bakersfield tree crash

Published
June 18, 2026
Outcome
Injured
Location
Bakersfield, California
Rosedale Highway exit off Highway 99
View on map
Incident type
Crash, Pursuit

Summary

Police Pursuit Crash Bakersfield California in Bakersfield, California: A hijacked ambulance from Tulare County crashed into a tree in Bakersfield on Wednesday while trying to evade deputies. A person jumped into the driver's seat of the ambulance after it had delivered a patient to Adventist Health Hospital and took off with it. CHP had a visual on the ambulance as it traveled down Highway 99 but did not initiate a pursuit due to reckless driving. The Kern County Sheriff's Office helicopter took over, and the ambulance crashed into a tree after exiting at Rosedale Highway. No injuries were reported, and the suspect was taken into custody.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
The suspect who hijacked the ambulance At-fault party

Original reporting

Ambulance theft ends in Bakersfield tree crash

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