TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Police Department (TPD) officers recovered a stolen fire engine this morning and arrested the suspect, who allegedly took the vehicle while firefighters were inside St. Joseph’s Hospital.
The incident began at approximately 9:25 a.m., when 59-year-old Warren Scudder is suspected of stealing the fire engine. According to preliminary information, firefighters were inside the hospital at the time of the theft.
Shortly after driving off, Scudder allegedly crashed the vehicle into a gray Lexus SUV near the intersection of Dr. King Blvd and MacDill Ave. The driver of the Lexus reported hip pain following the collision and was being medically evaluated by hospital staff.
READ: Tampa Detectives Scour Footage For Driver Who Left Woman To Die
Tampa Police were immediately dispatched and rapidly located the stolen engine. A quick response and coordinated effort led to officers successfully surrounding and blocking the vehicle’s path in the 4100 block of Poplar Ave. By 9:38 a.m., just 13 minutes after the initial theft report, Scudder was taken into custody without further incident.
Scudder has been charged with Grand Theft Auto and Hit & Run. Authorities stated that additional charges may be pending as the investigation continues.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
