At approximately 03:01 am on September 17, 2024, New Rochelle Police received a report from Empress Ambulance personnel that a patient recently released from the Emergency Room had stolen an ambulance. NRPD officers quickly located the stolen ambulance on Lawn Avenue. The vehicle, however, fled from officers who then pursued the ambulance.
The pursuit led the ambulance into Eastchester, where the Eastchester Police Department and Scarsdale Police attempted to stop the vehicle. The stolen vehicle collided with both Eastchester and Scarsdale police vehicles during the chase.
The ambulance then continued to evade capture, moving through Scarsdale, Greenburgh, White Plains, and eventually into Irvington. The chase concluded when the vehicle struck a utility pole in Irvington. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene. First aid was administered, and he was transported to Westchester Medical Center for evaluation. He was later discharged after suffering only minor injuries. Remarkably, no officers or citizens sustained injuries, and no NRPD vehicles were damaged during the incident.
The New Rochelle Police Department commends the officers and supporting agencies for
their swift and effective response in resolving this dangerous situation. The collaborative efforts
of local law enforcement agencies ensured a safe conclusion to the incident.
ARRESTED: Ernest Burkett, 41 years of age, of New Rochelle, NY.
CHARGES:
New York State Penal Law Sections:
120.25 Reckless Endangerment 1st Degree – D Felony
165.52 Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 2
nd Degree – C Felony
155.40 Grand Larceny 2
nd Degree – C Felony
270.25 Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer 3
rd Degree – A Misdemeanor
145.10 Criminal Mischief 2
nd Second Degree – D Felony
