Full Breakdown
Ambulance Kidnapping Incident at Royal Stoke University Hospital
3/28/2026, 10:36:13 PM
Incident Overview
On the evening of March 25, 2023, a man allegedly stole an ambulance from outside Royal Stoke University Hospital while a patient was still inside. The incident occurred around 8:15 PM GMT, prompting a swift response from Staffordshire Police. The ambulance contained three individuals: a patient, a paramedic, and another person, all of whom were unharmed during the event.
Arrest and Charges
Marshall Leese, a 31-year-old resident of Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with multiple offenses, including kidnap, theft of a motor vehicle, and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. Additional charges include driving a motor vehicle dangerously, driving without a proper license, and using a vehicle without third-party insurance. Leese is scheduled to appear at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre following his arrest.
Police Response and Investigation
Staffordshire Police received reports of the stolen ambulance and quickly initiated a pursuit. The vehicle was tracked to an Esso petrol station on the A34, where the driver stopped. A police dog unit subsequently located Leese after he attempted to flee on foot. The police confirmed that no injuries occurred to anyone inside the ambulance during the incident. A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service stated that a second ambulance was dispatched to transport the patient to the hospital after the vehicle was stopped.
Official Statements
Staffordshire Police emphasized the seriousness of the incident, noting that it involved a vulnerable patient and the potential for danger. A police spokesperson remarked, "A man has been charged with a number of offences after an ambulance was taken from outside the Royal Stoke University Hospital." The West Midlands Ambulance Service also highlighted their commitment to the welfare of their staff and patients, stating, "A welfare check was carried out on our member of staff to maintain their wellbeing."
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has drawn significant attention, there has been no public dissent or criticism reported regarding the police response or the actions taken by the ambulance service. The focus remains on the legal proceedings against Leese and the implications of such a serious crime.
What's Next
The case against Marshall Leese is set to proceed in court, where further details may emerge regarding the motivations behind the ambulance theft and any potential repercussions for public safety protocols at hospitals. The investigation by Staffordshire Police continues to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A police spokesman said: "A man has been charged with a number of offences after an ambulance was taken from outside the Royal Stoke University Hospital.” — Staffordshire Police Spokesperson
