Bronx, NY (May 28, 2026) – Three people were hurt Thursday morning after a stolen private ambulance crashed into another vehicle in the Bronx. Police said the ambulance was taken from outside a dispatch office on Jerome Avenue, near East 213th Street, in the Norwood neighborhood, around 8:45 a.m.
Investigators said the ambulance, owned by RCA Ambulance Services, had been left running with the keys inside when a man entered the vehicle and drove away. The driver traveled north on Jerome Avenue to East 233rd Street, where the ambulance sideswiped another vehicle before crashing. A 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman inside the struck vehicle suffered minor injuries, along with the man driving the ambulance.
One person from the other vehicle and the suspect were taken to North Central Bronx Hospital for treatment. The second occupant declined medical care. Charges against the man were still pending Thursday.
Detectives continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash and theft. We hope those hurt in the collision recover quickly.
Why Stolen Emergency Vehicles Can Create Serious Roadway Dangers
Emergency vehicles are larger and heavier than many passenger vehicles, which can make them difficult to control for untrained drivers. When these vehicles are stolen or driven recklessly, the risk of roadway collisions may increase significantly, especially on busy city streets.
Ambulances are designed for medical transport and often contain specialized equipment that can shift during sudden turns or impacts. Crashes involving emergency vehicles may also affect traffic flow because of their size and the need for extensive cleanup. In urban neighborhoods, crowded intersections and parked vehicles can reduce reaction time for nearby drivers. Safety experts often encourage operators to secure emergency vehicles when unattended to reduce the risk of unauthorized use and related collisions.
