New Rochelle. Eastchester, Scarsdale, Greenburgh, White Plains, and Irvington
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (September 17, 2024) — In one of the more bizarre police chases in recent memory, a recently discharged patient stole an ambulance from out Montefiore New Rochelle, then evaded police, before crashing into a utility pole in Irvington, ending up at Westchester Medical Center.
At approximately 03:01 am on September 17, 2024, New Rochelle Police received a report from Empress Ambulance personnel that a patient recently released from the Emergency Room had stolen an ambulance. NRPD officers quickly located the stolen
ambulance on Lawn Avenue. The vehicle, however, fled from officers who then pursued the ambulance. The pursuit led the ambulance into Eastchester, where the Eastchester Police
Department and Scarsdale Police attempted to stop the vehicle. The stolen vehicle collided with both Eastchester and Scarsdale police vehicles during the chase. The ambulance then continued to evade capture, moving through Scarsdale, Greenburgh, White Plains, and eventually into Irvington.
Irvington Police officers closely monitored the pursuit location and responded to Broadway and staged as the pursuit sounded like it was nearing the Village.
The chase concluded at approximately 3:25 am after the stolen ambulance entered the Village of Irvington on Broadway traveling south. Irvington Police officers followed behind pursuing police vehicles. The suspect driving the stolen ambulance failed to negotiate the curve on South Broadway nearing Dows Lane (known as Reeds Hill) and lost control ultimately striking a utility pole and rolling over before coming to rest. Irvington police officers along with New Rochelle police officers and other assisting agencies took the suspect into custody at that location without incident.
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. First aid was administered, and he was transported to Westchester Medical Center for evaluation by the Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Irvington Fire Department responded to the scene to assist. Broadway was closed to traffic for a period of time prior to being reopened in a limited capacity. Utility crews are on scene in order to make emergency repairs to the pole and wires that were affected.
Irvington Police officers remained on scene to assist with vehicular and pedestrian safety while the work continues.
The suspect was later discharged after suffering only minor injuries.
Remarkably, no officers or citizens sustained injuries, and no NRPD vehicles were damaged during the incident.
The New Rochelle Police Department commends the officers and supporting agencies — Irvington Volunteer Ambulance Corps, the Irvington Fire Department, Irvington DPW, Irvington PD, Ardsley PD, Greenburgh PD, Westchester County PD and the New York State Police — for their swift and effective response in resolving this dangerous situation. The collaborative efforts of local law enforcement agencies ensured a safe conclusion to the incident.
Arrest & Charges
Ernest Burkett, 41, of New Rochelle, NY.
- Reckless Endangerment – 1, a D Felony
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property – 2, a C Felony
- Grand Larceny – 2, a C Felony
- Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer – 3, an A Misdemeanor
- Criminal Mischief – 2, a D Felony
