A dramatic early-morning incident in southern Wisconsin ended with the arrest of a Michigan man after authorities say he stole an ambulance and led deputies on a multi-mile pursuit before being subdued.
According to the Green County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. Sunday near State Highway 11 in Monroe, Wisconsin, when deputies were dispatched to perform a welfare check on a man sitting along the roadside.
What Happened
Deputies arrived and made contact with the individual, later identified as 43-year-old Shannon Szukala from Middleville, Michigan. Officials said Szukala claimed he was injured and requested medical assistance, prompting deputies to call for an ambulance.
While waiting, Szukala reportedly walked away from deputies. When emergency medical personnel arrived around 3 a.m., the situation escalated quickly. Authorities say Szukala suddenly ran from medics, entered the ambulance, and drove off—heading east on State Highway 11.
Police Chase and Tire Deflation
Deputies immediately initiated a pursuit, following the ambulance for approximately 11.5 miles toward the city of Brodhead. During the chase, the vehicle was reportedly traveling at speeds around 55 mph.
Assistance from Brodhead Police Department proved critical. Officers deployed tire-deflation devices near Mt. Hope Road in Spring Grove, successfully damaging the ambulance’s tires.
Despite this, Szukala continued driving, turning onto State Highway 81 and later onto Clarence Lane before the vehicle became disabled.
Arrest and Aftermath
Once the ambulance stopped, authorities said Szukala exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, running through a residential yard. Deputies ordered him to surrender, but when he refused, they used a stun gun to subdue him.
He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into the county jail.
Charges and Official Statement
Szukala is expected to face multiple charges, including:
- Operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent
- Fleeing and eluding police
- Resisting arrest
- Disorderly conduct
The ambulance sustained damage during the incident and was later towed.
Green County Sheriff Cody Kanable praised the response, stating that deputies handled the situation effectively and ensured public safety without further escalation.
Conclusion
The unusual sequence of events—from a welfare check to an ambulance theft and police pursuit—highlights how quickly situations can escalate. Authorities say quick coordination between deputies and local police helped bring the incident to a safe end without injuries to the public.
