A young man is in significant trouble after an ambulance was stolen in Invercargill overnight (29 Jun).

The alleged antics have led to him being charged with two counts of kidnapping, driving while suspended, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, failing to stop and two counts of resisting Police.

The early morning incident occurred after Police were called to assist an ambulance crew dealing with an agitated person on Elles Road, about 2.25am.

Police said the man, who had injuries consistent with having been the victim of an assault, had been found on the street by a member of the public

While a police officer and an ambulance officer were speaking with a man in the back of the ambulance, he jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance and allegedly began driving. The vehicle travelled about a block before the Police officer was able to knock it out of gear and stop it.

After a brief scuffle, a 20-year-old Invercargill man was taken into custody. He was taken to hospital where Police said he currently remains (2 Jul).

Police said the man had so far not provided them with any information around how he was injured.

The man has been remanded to appear in Invercargill District Court on 15 July.

Relieving Southland Area Commander Inspector Matt Scoles said the incident could have been tragic.

“Thankfully, nobody was hurt, but there was a risk of serious injury to the people in that ambulance, none of whom were restrained, and a serious risk to the public.

“This was an unpredictable situation and both the Police and ambulance officers involved acted swiftly, doing what they could to end it before anything worse happened.”

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

As the case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.