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A stolen ambulance pursuit along I-44 in Phelps County, Missouri, was resolved safely after a trooper identified markers of a mental health crisis in the suspect and de-escalated the situation, KCTV5 reports.
Highway patrol officers were recorded using spike strips to stop the ambulance after it was reported stolen. Once the suspect had exited the vehicle, a trooper on scene recognized that they may have been experiencing a mental health crisis and shifted his focus toward calming the driver before attempting an arrest.
The trooper’s calm approach helped resolve the situation without any injuries and highlights the importance of peaceful de-escalation in situations involving potential behavioral health emergencies.
Authorities have not disclosed the suspect’s name or announced any potential charges.
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