Police say a 22-year-old Ebensburg man has been charged after he allegedly stole an ambulance Tuesday night and crashed it on railroad tracks in Johnstown.
According to a probable-cause affidavit, authorities say that at about 9 p.m., Ammanuel Ojha allegedly stole the vehicle from Select Specialty Hospital along Main Street in Johnstown.
Investigators say a crew from East Hills Ambulance was at the hospital waiting to transport a patient when the vehicle was stolen.
The vehicle was unlocked and running while the crew was inside the building.
After stealing the vehicle, Ojha reportedly drove on Franklin Street before he failed to turn onto Washington Street and crashed on the tracks near the city’s Public Safety Building, according to the affidavit.
Ojha did not initially comply with an officer’s commands and had to be physically taken to the ground to be arrested, according to the affidavit.
Ojha has been charged with second-degree felony theft by unlawful taking, second-degree felony receiving stolen property, third-degree felony flight to avoid apprehension, second-degree misdemeanor unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, second-degree misdemeanor resisting arrest, third-degree misdemeanor obstructing emergency services and a summary offense.
He was arraigned Wednesday before District Judge Michael Zungali, of Hastings, and was sent to the Cambria County Prison after failing to post 10 percent of a $50,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Oct. 19 before District Judge Brian Subich, of Johnstown.