Man who Stole Tampa Ambulance Finishes Beer after Stopping

March 17, 2025

The suspect, who led Tampa police on a chase, said he took the rig after medics refused to take him home.

After Tampa Fire Rescue crews refused to give a man a ride home, he took their ambulance from HCA South Tampa Hospital on Saturday night.

He led police on a pursuit that lasted for several miles, running stop signs and lights along the way, Fox13 reported.

When he finally stopped, he finished his beer before officers pulled him out from behind the wheel.

Michael Esquilin, who said he'd been drinking for a few days, was charged with seven offenses including driving under the influence, theft of the ambulance and resisting arrest.

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.