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Man charged following ambulance theft from Granisle

Other vehicles also stolen have since been recovered
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The driver of a stolen ambulance from Granisle ran into a parked boat. (What’s Up Granisle Facebook photo/Houston Today)

A Smithers man has now been charged following the theft in the early morning hours of June 18 of an ambulance from Granisle.

David Schmidt, 39, faces several counts of break and enter and possession of stolen property.

The ambulance subsequently rolled over near the entrance of the Lions Beach Campground south of the village and one person was seen leaving the area.

Police say they then located an adult male walking alongside the highway who was suffering from injuries consistent with being in a crash.

“Further evidence was obtained and the man was arrested in connection with this matter. He was treated for minor injuries,” a police release stated.

Schmidt has since been released following the formal laying of charges and is due back in court July 11.

The ambulance is understood to have been damaged beyond repair from the rollover.

A statement from BC Emergency Health Services, the provincial agency responsible for the ambulance services, described the stolen vehicle as “a standard configuration unit equipped with critical lifesaving equipment, and painted with standard BCEHS colours and badging.”

A spare ambulance from Burns Lake was brought in immediately and no disruption in service was reported.

Corporal Ryan Fillmore from the Houston RCMP said the investigation into the incident continues.

At the same time, the investigation also continues into other incidents of break and enter and other stolen vehicles which have now been recovered.

“We’re still collecting evidence,” said Fillmore.

Information is welcomed at the Houston RCMP detachment, at (250) 845-2204.



About the Author: Rod Link

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