Written by: E. George
Published April 20, 2024 @ 9:30 PM ET
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. – A man is facing charges of felony fleeing, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, theft by taking, hit and run, and obstruction after hijacking an ambulance with medics inside. Ladarius Williams allegedly stole the private ambulance from Piedmont Henry Hospital as medical personnel prepared him for transport to Piedmont Regional as a patient.
Williams led authorities on a high-speed chase spanning multiple counties. The medics leaped from the moving vehicle to escape.
Georgia State Patrol troopers observed the ambulance near the Tara Boulevard and Interstate 75 intersection shortly after receiving an alert about the incident at approximately 1:00 PM. They attempted several PIT maneuvers but were unsuccessful due to the size and speed of the ambulance.
Williams continued into residential neighborhoods in Clayton and Morrow Counties. The Atlanta Police Auto Crimes Enforcement (A.C.E.) Unit tried to stop him by placing stop sticks in the roadway, but he swerved and missed them, almost striking an officer.
Troopers explained that Williams used “reckless disregard” while driving on private property, hitting mailboxes, and striking several patrol vehicles, both moving and stationary. Additional agencies joined the attempt to stop the ambulance, conducting more PIT maneuvers and stop sticks.
The second set of stop sticks deflated the vehicle’s rear tires, but Williams continued to drive. Troopers said the stolen vehicle desperately needed to be stopped.
Williams headed north in the southbound lanes of Tara Boulevard. Law enforcement conducted another PIT maneuver, causing Williams to lose control of the ambulance, drive across lanes and through the median, and ultimately crash into a pole near Dixon Road.
After the collision, Williams exited the vehicle and ran. Troopers said a Taser was required to apprehend him.
The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office stated, “The suspect fled into Clayton County, where he had no regard for human life or property, using an ambulance as a wrecking ball, hitting multiple police cars, and causing property damage.”
The incident affected traffic for hours. This case is pending.