STERLING, Ill. — The CGH Medical Center in Sterling says, later confirmed by the Sterling Police Department, that a patient fled the hospital in a stolen ambulance and later crashed it.
The report, detailed on the center's Facebook page, says that the patient, identified by Sterling police to be 26-year-old Sterling resident Pedro Galindo, fled the CGH Emergency Department on foot and then stole an ambulance.
Galindo drove onto Locust street, where they lost control after running a stop sign and struck another vehicle, causing the ambulance to roll over. Galindo then attempted to flee on foot, but was located in the 900 block of Avenue C and taken into custody.
The driver of the other vehicle was transferred to CGH Medical Center for evaluation. The hospital says that neither driver sustained serious injuries.
Galindo was treated at CGH Medical Center and then transported to the Whiteside County Jail. He has been charged with Felony Theft, Aggravated Battery, Obstructing Identification, and Disobeying a Stop Sign, with more charges pending.
The Sterling Police Department was assisted by the Rock Falls Police Department, the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office, CGH Medical Center, and the Sterling Fire Department.