Georgia Man Steals Ambulance Takes Police On Wild Ride

Shortly after being transported by ambulance to the Brunswick hospital Monday morning, authorities say a Georgia man jumped behind the wheel of the vehicle that transported him and sped away.

The 20-year-old ambulance thief led law enforcement on a reckless pursuit through three counties before his apprehension in Liberty County, according to the police report.

Vantwan Rhameke Rowe of Brunswick was returned to Glynn County, where hospital police arrested him. Rowe was booked into the Glynn County Detention Center Monday, charged with entering an automobile with intent to steal, felony theft, interference with government property, willful interference with emergency medical professionals, and fleeing to elude the law. He is being held on more than $600,000 for the felony theft charge.

Rowe pulled into oncoming traffic on U.S. Highway 17 in McIntosh County several times, forcing vehicles off the road, McIntosh County Sheriff’s Col. Danny Lowe said. McIntosh County is preparing additional arrest warrants for Rowe, charging him with fleeing to elude the law and theft by receiving stolen property, Lowe said.

The ambulance incurred significant damage in the pursuit, which ended when the vehicle ran off the road at U.S. Highway 17 near Interstate-95 in Liberty County.

The incident unfolded when a county fire-rescue ambulance crew transported Rowe to the hospital at 2415 Parkwood Drive in Brunswick at about 1:53 a.m. Monday, according to a police report. At the loading zone outside the emergency room, Rowe exited the ambulance and ran around outside of the vehicle.

Rowe got into the cab of the ambulance from the passenger’s side door, slid behind the wheel of the vehicle and drove away, police reported.

According to Brunswick police, “it was discovered the male began to run around the unloading zone at the hospital, eventually gaining access in the ambulance by opening the passenger door.”

Glynn County police picked up the pursuit northbound on U.S. 17. Rowe weaved across lanes on U.S. 17, driving recklessly while reaching speeds of 80 mph as county police pursued, police Capt. Michael Robinson said. County police deployed spike strips in an unsuccessful attempt to flatten the Ambulance’s tires at U.S. 17 and Jack Harman Road, Robinson said.

The pursuit crossed over into McIntosh County, where Mc. McIntosh County deputies took charge of the chase. Glynn County police then followed as “observers only,” Robinson said.

Lowe said that McIntosh County deputies also deployed spike strips several times attempting to stop the runaway ambulance.

Several motorists had to cede the southbound lane of U.S. 17 in McIntosh County to avoid a collision when Rowe pulled into the oncoming lane, Lowe said. Liberty County Sheriff’s Office deputies joined the pursuit when Lowe entered that county.

McIntosh County deputies put down more spike sticks on U.S. 17 at this point, Lowe said. Rowe allegedly drove the ambulance off the road at U.S. 17 and I-95, just north of the county line, and then he jumped from the vehicle and ran, Lowe said. Ultimately, Glynn County police apprehended him at a nearby service station, Lowe said.

“He was trying to get to the interstate when he ran off the road,” Lowe said. “He ran across the street to a Sonoco station, and that’s where Glynn County police got him.”