Tavaris Latrell Johnson (Jail photo)
KILLEEN (June 21, 2012)--Tavaris Latrell Johnson was charged Thursday with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle after a Killeen Fire Department ambulance crew reported their ambulance was stolen.
Johnson had been booked into the Bell County Jail Friday morning, charged with criminal mischief and unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle.
His bonds totaled $52,000, jail records showed.
The ambulance was stolen early Thursday morning while paramedics were inside a residence on Captain Drive where they were sent in response to an emergency call.
The crew notified dispatchers at around 5:25 a.m. that when the left the residence, they discovered the ambulance was gone.
Shortly after reporting the theft, the paramedics heard a siren and then watched as the ambulance came around the corner onto Captain Drive and pulled up in front of the home where they were waiting.
The man at the wheel parked the ambulance, stepped out and started to walk away.
The paramedics followed him and one of them began to talk with the man and continued the conversation until officers arrived, police said.
The man told the officers he just wanted to take a joyride in an ambulance.
Johnson was arrested at the scene.
