September 19, 2023 Ponchatoula, LA - The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 28-year-old Geoffrey Armstrong, a white male from Ponchatoula, LA, who was arrested for being in possession of a stolen ambulance.
Sheriff Daniel Edwards says just before 11:00 AM today, deputies were alerted of a stolen Acadian Ambulance which was being tracked by GPS on Interstate 55 between LaPlace and Manchac. According to Acadian Ambulance, the emergency vehicle had been taken from a hospital located in Jefferson Parish and was seen headed north towards Tangipahoa Parish. Deputies and other law enforcement agencies began to stage on the interstate and at numerous exits awaiting the ambulance to pass through, all while Acadian Ambulance continued to monitor their GPS system.
While sitting stationary at mile post 20 south just of Ponchatoula, Deputy Melissa Ard observed the ambulance passing by and activated her emergency overhead lighting, signaling the driver to pull over. The driver, later identified as Armstrong, complied and pulled the ambulance to the shoulder of the interstate. With the assistance of the Louisiana State Police and Ponchatoula Police Department, Armstrong was taken into custody without incident.
Speaking with deputies, Armstrong said that he was growing impatient while waiting for a ride home and therefore “acquired” an ambulance so he could return to Ponchatoula.
Sheriff Edwards says Armstrong was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail on one felony count of Possession of Stolen Property.
The ambulance was returned to Acadian Ambulance personnel in good condition, and the investigation into how Armstrong “acquired” the vehicle is being investigated by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.
**All persons accused of a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty.