Peoria, IL – A Peoria woman was arrested Wednesday after police say she allegedly stole an ambulance, drove it recklessly through the city and crashed it into a parked vehicle before being taken into custody.
According to the Peoria Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:28 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, to the 200 block of NE Glen Oak Avenue after receiving a report of a stolen ambulance being driven recklessly.
Police deployed a Department First Response (DFR) drone, which located the stolen ambulance parked in the 300 block of Wayne Street. As officers arrived, investigators said the driver fled in the ambulance at a high rate of speed.
According to police, officers did not pursue the vehicle because of concerns for public safety. A short time later, the stolen ambulance struck a parked vehicle on St. Marks Court, rendering the ambulance inoperable.
Officers quickly responded to the crash scene and took the driver into custody without incident. Police identified the suspect as Crystal J. Crane, 41.
Following the investigation, Crane was arrested on a charge of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle and transported to the Peoria County Jail.
Authorities have not released additional information about how the ambulance was allegedly stolen or whether anyone was injured during the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding violent crimes is encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 309-673-4521, submit anonymous tips by texting TIP411, or contact Crime Stoppers at 309-673-9000.
The charge against Crane is an allegation, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
