Peoria, IL- A Peoria woman is behind bars after authorities say she stole an ambulance, drove it at dangerous speeds through city streets, and ultimately crashed it into a parked vehicle — leaving the emergency unit completely inoperable.
Officers from the Peoria Police Department responded at approximately 2:28 p.m. Wednesday to the 200 block of NE Glen Oak Avenue following a report that an ambulance had been stolen and was being driven recklessly through the area.
Authorities deployed a Department First Response drone, which quickly located the stolen vehicle parked in the 300 block of Wayne Street. But as officers moved in, the situation escalated — the driver sped away at a high rate of speed before police could intervene.
In the interest of public safety, officers made the decision not to pursue the ambulance. Moments later, the stolen vehicle collided with a parked car on St. Marks Court, disabling it entirely. Officers arrived at the crash scene and took the driver into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Crystal J. Crane, 41, of Peoria. She has been charged with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle and transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Authorities have not disclosed how the ambulance was initially taken or whether any injuries resulted from the incident. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information about this or other violent crimes in the area is urged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521, submit anonymous tips by texting TIP411, or reach Crime Stoppers at 309-673-9000.