By Mark Bellinger
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Police said a man who was treated for injuries in the emergency room of Middle Tennessee Medical Center stole an ambulance.
55-year-old Bruce Burdick, from North Carolina, was charged by police with theft, auto theft and evading arrest.
"Well, what we understand is he was brought to the hospital originally for being involved in an accident," Murfreesboro Police Department spokesman Kyle Evans said.
After doctors in the emergency room treated his injuries Burdick walked out the door.
A Med Stat ambulance was sitting outside the emergency room. Apparently, it's not unusual for paramedics to leave their ambulance running at MTMC.
Driver Bob Dellingar told police when he went to get in the ambulance it was gone.
Police said for some unknown reason Burdick walked out of the ER and jumped in to the ambulance and took off.
He drove east on Interstate 24.
A BOLO (Be On The Lookout) was issued by dispatchers for the ambulance, and a Rutherford County sheriff's deputy saw it on the interstate.
Rutherford County Deputy reported Burdick was weaving from lane to lane and driving between 65 and 70 miles per hour, which is at or below the speed limit.
Finally, he pulled off I-24 at the Beechgrove exit and deputies arrested him.
"He's right now facing theft over $10,000, motor vehicle theft and evading police for his run that he gave sheriff deputies on interstate 24," Evans said.
A sheriff's deputy drove Burdick back to the hospital for more tests and an evaluation.
"It's entirely possible there could be alcohol or other factors that may have come into play here," Evans added.
The ambulance was given back to its rightful owner Med-stat. It's an ambulance service that is based in Manchester.
Burdick was taken to the Rutherford County jail and booked. Sheriff's deputies took Burdick to the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. He was released on $20,000 bond.
Burdick is scheduled to appear in court and face the charges July 20th.
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