Thief Takes Joy Ride, Damages Rescue Squad Truck

Police said a Hickory rescue squad support truck was stolen and the thief led officers on a chase eight miles through the city.

The chase ended in the east end of Hickory on along some railroad tracks. Emergency crews had to remove all of the equipment before a crane could move the truck off the side of the tracks.

According to police, Omar Rueda-Rodarte came up to the rescue squad base appearing sick. Police said, once inside the building, Rodarte he got into the truck and drove through the garage door.

"It's absurd. I don't see why somebody would want to steal a squad truck. We're just out here trying to help," said volunteer Amanda Lackey.

There was only one rescue squad member at the base Tuesday night when Rodarte showed up.

Police said Rodarte tried to steal two other ambulances before getting behind the wheel of the truck.

"I don't know what you say about somebody like that. 'Why? Why would you take it when it's here to help people,'" said rescue squad member Chad Lackey.

Police said Rodarte acted irrationally after his arrest, claiming that he had taken cold medicine earlier and that the ground was shaking under him.

Damages to the truck and the base are estimated in the thousands.

Rescue squad members spent the day taking equipment off the damaged truck.

"It's going to rain. They're calling for storms. So we're going to get all of our water rescue stuff off. We're taking stuff off that maybe essential for this weekend," said another squad member.

Rodarte faces numerous charges, including three felonies.