St John says it is "reprehensible" that one of its ambulances was stolen from South Dunedin while the crew were dealing with a patient last night.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The ambulance was taken from Wesley Street in South Dunedin - the same street in which two people were killed and their house heavily burned a month ago.
Police needed to use road spikes to stop the stolen vehicle after tracking it through its GPS transmitter.
After the spikes were used, the ambulance was driven some distance on the disintegrating tyres and wheelrims, until finally coming to a stop at Waihola, 39 kilometres from Dunedin.
A 30-year-old South Dunedin man was taken into custody.
The alleged driver Clayon Tamakehu - who lives in Wesley Street - appeared in the Dunedin District Court this morning, and was charged with theft of an ambulance, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and driving while forbidden.
Mr Tamakehu was allowed to go home on bail on the condition he not drive any motor vehicles, not drink alcohol, and have a nightly curfew between 7PM and 7AM.
Court documents show the Mercedes Benz ambulance is valued at $220,000.
St John spokesperson Pauline Buchanan said the thief showed "complete disregard" for the consequences of their actions and for the patient the crew were helping.
"It is fortunate that the patient was able to be treated at the scene and did not require transportation and there were no further calls for ambulance assistance during this time as this could have potentially impacted one of our patients."
She said the ambulance had suffered "considerable damage" and will be taken off the road for repairs.
