Man allegedly takes control of ambulance, leads West Virginia police on short chase before crashing into cruiser and detained by K9

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. — A man in Weirton took first responders on a ride after he allegedly took control of a Hancock County Ambulance on Tuesday.

A criminal complaint obtained by media partner Herald-Star shows David Earich, 37, as being charged by Weirton Police with reckless driving, unlawful taking of a vehicle, obstructing, battery on a government official, and several counts of assault on a government employee.

According to Herald-Star, the Hancock County Ambulance Service was dispatched to transport Earich from Northwood Health Systems to a local hospital.

During a medical evaluation, Herald-Star reports that Earich ran from the back of the ambulance, ran to the passenger side, and was able to enter the vehicle and get behind the steering wheel.

It is reported that Earich drove forward out of the Northwood parking lot into a grassy field. According to Herald-Star, an ambulance staff member jumped in from the back and attempted to get him.

Earich then reportedly turned around in the field and re-entered the parking lot, where Weirton officers had blocked him from leaving with their police cruisers.

According to the news outlet, Earich put the ambulance in reverse, then again into drive, ramming a cruiser that an officer still occupied.

Herald-Star reports that the officer could still box the ambulance in despite being struck.

Weirton’s K9 unit was deployed to aid officers in removing Earich from the ambulance.

According to reports, Earich is being held at the Northern Regional Jail while his case is pending in Brooke County Magistrate Court.

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