WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. — At approximately 2 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) was notified that a stolen Memphis Fire Department ambulance was traveling westbound on Interstate 40 and entering Arkansas.
Troopers located the vehicle on Ingram Boulevard near Baron Avenue in West Memphis. Officers with the West Memphis Police Department deployed spike strips across the intersection, which the ambulance struck, causing tires to deflate.
The driver continued onto 7th Street and began traveling toward the interstate. In an effort to prevent the vehicle from entering the interstate system and posing additional danger to the public, ASP Troopers attempted a Tactical Vehicle Intervention (TVI). The ambulance then turned into the parking lot of Baptist Memorial Hospital.
The driver, identified as Vanessa Bowen, 63, of West Memphis, was taken into custody without further incident.
Bowen was transported for medical evaluation. Upon receiving medical clearance, she will be booked into the Crittenden County Detention Center.
She is expected to face charges including theft of property, fleeing, reckless driving, and obstructing governmental operations. Additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
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