A California man was taken into custody after he allegedly stole an ambulance near Aurora in Marion County on Friday, sparking a chase into Portland.
Oregon State Police said 30-year-old Noor Mohammad Baheej of Winnetka, California, faces a list of charges including driving under the influence of intoxicants and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
OSP said it started on Friday just after 7:30 p.m., when troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 5 near milepost 273, which is the Donald-Aurora exit.
When troopers got to the crash scene, the driver of the crashed vehicle, later identified as Baheej, tried to flee. According to OSP, Baheej came back and stole the Woodburn ambulance that was on the scene.
Baheej then drove north on I-5 into Portland where he continued to elude police, OSP said. Attempts were made to pin the ambulance but Baheej rammed a patrol vehicle, struck a building and was able to continue to avoid troopers.
The ambulance was found again on Interstate 5 southbound near milepost 295.
The driver allegedly stopped the ambulance and attempted to get into another vehicle on the highway, police said. Troopers were able to take Baheej into custody without further incident.
Baheej displayed multiple signs of impairment and after the investigation was charged with DUII with an alleged blood-alcohol content of .21, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, attempt to elude, reckless driving and failure to perform the duties of a driver.
