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A Lighthearted Look at a Very Real Columbia Borough Police Incident

COLUMBIA, Pa. – Most people who need an ambulance call 911. One Columbia man apparently decided to skip a few steps and try the “take the whole ambulance” approach instead. According to Columbia Borough Police, 23 year-old Elijah Jordan Leed was arrested early Monday morning after allegedly stealing an ambulance that was actively on an emergency call.

Police say the incident unfolded around 4:30 a.m. near 11th Street and Grinnell Avenue. An ambulance crew member had stepped away briefly to retrieve equipment when they heard the vehicle’s engine revving. Moments later, the ambulance was reportedly heading down the road without its crew.

Now, stealing a bicycle is a bad idea. Stealing a car is a worse idea. Stealing an ambulance that is literally in the middle of helping someone? That’s the kind of decision that makes people ask, “How exactly did we get here?”

According to both Columbia Borough Police and WGAL News 8, the joyride didn’t last long. Leed allegedly drove the ambulance around before returning to the area, where an ambulance crew member reportedly restrained him until police arrived. If that sounds like an action movie written by paramedics, that’s because it basically was.

Police took Leed into custody and charged him with Theft by Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle and Driving Without a License. He was subsequently transported to Lancaster County Prison following processing.

What Other News Outlets Are Saying

While details remain limited, reports across media outlets and police releases are largely consistent:

• Columbia Borough Police / CrimeWatch reported that the ambulance was on an active call when it was taken and that a crew member heard the engine being revved before the vehicle left the scene.
• WGAL News 8 confirmed the vehicle was allegedly stolen around 4:30 a.m., identified Leed as the suspect, and noted that an ambulance crew member physically restrained him until officers arrived.
• WGAL further reported that authorities lodged Leed in Lancaster County Prison after his arrest.

Columbia Chronicle Commentary

Let’s be honest: if you’re going to steal a vehicle, the one covered in flashing lights, equipped with radios, GPS, and a crew actively looking for it may not be the best choice.

Residents were likely expecting typical Monday morning headlines. Instead, they woke up to discover that somewhere between “medical emergency” and “breakfast,” Columbia had apparently become the setting for Grand Theft Ambulance: Borough Edition.

Thankfully, nobody was reported injured during the incident, the ambulance was recovered quickly, and first responders were able to bring the adventure to an abrupt end.

As always, remember: if you need a ride in an ambulance, the traditional method remains significantly easier than borrowing the entire vehicle.