I don’t know about you, but when I think about going for a joy ride, I never picture it happening in an ambulance. But a Colorado State University student apparently had different ideas. This past weekend, an ambulance arrived on the Fort Collins campus to attend to a situation. While the EMTs were handling the emergency, an 18-year-old student allegedly stole the ambulance and drove it to Loveland, where he crashed. The teen was found standing next to the vehicle wearing an EMT vest and carrying a blanket and a box of Wheat Thins. He had to be subdued with a stun gun after refusing to submit to the police officer’s commands.
What Charges Does the Accused Ambulance Thief Face?
He now faces multiple charges including aggravated vehicle theft, obstructing EMS, reckless driving, hit-and-run, criminal mischief, resisting arrest, intereference and unlawful possession of a controlled substance for an Adderall pill the police found on him. When thinking about all these charges, let’s focus on Criminal Mischief and the consequences for these particular charges.
Crashing an Ambulance is Criminal Mischief in Weld County?
Criminal Mischief – C.R.S. 18-4-501 – is charged when a person damages someone else’s property in Greeley, Erie and Johnstown. In this case, the Ambulance (property of Poudre Valley Hospital) was damaged in the escapade when the CSU student supposedly hit at least one road sign causing destruction to both the ambulance and the sign (government property).
What is the Punishment for Criminal Mischief in Greeley?
While no official report has been issued about total damages to the ambulance and road sign, the severity of the charge will depend on the damage costs. Criminal Mischief can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. The more expensive the damage, the greater the penalty as outlined below:
| Charge Class | Damages |
| Class 2 Misdemeanor | $499 or less |
| Class 1 Misdemeanor | $500- $999 |
| Class 4 Felony | $1,000- $19,999 |
| Class 3 Felony | $20,000 or more |
Class 1 and 2 misdemeanors are punishable by 3 – 18 month sentence to the Weld County Jail. Class 3 and 4 felonies may result in a 2 – 12 year sentence to the Department of Corrections. This may, however, be the least of the CSU student’s worries, seeing as he faces even more serious charges for this situation.
If you or a loved one has been contacted by the Greeley, Windsor, or Evans Police concerning damage to another person’s property, call the O’Malley Law Office 24/7 for a free initial consultation. Be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and call an experienced Criminal Mischief lawyer in Weld County at 970-616-6009. Together, we can protect your future.
Image Credit: Pixabay – UzbekIL