A man was sentenced to 12 months probation after he attempted to take an ambulance for a spin.
Shane Dickson appeared in provincial court in Drumheller on Friday, March 9. He pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle and assault.
The court heard that an intoxicated Dickson was at the Drumheller Health Centre on January 29 at about 2:30 a.m. Fuelled by alcohol, Dickson jumped in to the driver’s seat of an ambulance.
A security guard observed Dickson’s actions and attempted to intervene. Dickson kicked the guard and put the ambulance in drive. An EMS attendant also observed the incident and jumped into the back of the ambulance, made his way to the front of the vehicle and pulled the keys from the ignition.
Dickson fled the scene on foot, however the next day he attended to the Drumheller RCMP detachment and turned himself in.
Defense for Dickson said the 37-year-old was extremely intoxicated on the evening and his actions were not premeditated. Judge Grieve agreed with the submission for 12 months of probation. A third charge of uttering threats was withdrawn.