Brevard County Sheriff's Office officials confirmed Thursday that a man is facing charges after allegedly driving away in an ambulance earlier this week. The incident, which occurred in the Melbourne area on February 14, has prompted an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement. Sheriff Wayne Ivey said during a press briefing that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Marcus Johnson, was taken into custody following a pursuit that involved multiple agencies.
According to police reports, Johnson was seen entering an unoccupied ambulance near the Brevard Regional Medical Center before driving it to a nearby residential neighborhood. Surveillance footage obtained by investigators shows the vehicle parked in a driveway, with Johnson inside. The ambulance was later recovered by deputies without incident.
Sheriff Ivey emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that the theft of emergency vehicles is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. 'This isn't just a property crime,' he said. 'It endangers lives and undermines public trust in our emergency services.'
The case is being handled by the Brevard County State Attorney's Office, which has not yet filed formal charges. A bond hearing is scheduled for February 20. Meanwhile, hospital officials said the incident has led to increased security measures at the medical center.
Johnson is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on $50,000 bail. His next court appearance will be before Judge Lisa White in the 12th Judicial Circuit Court. The sheriff's office has not disclosed the suspect's motive but is reviewing security protocols for emergency vehicles across the county.