Stolen Ambulance Leads to Criminal Charges

District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges against Joe Prieto, age 28, for a recent incident that resulted in a stolen ambulance and police pursuit.

It is alleged that on June 17, 2026, Prieto, who had been transported by ambulance to the Tulare hospital, stole a different ambulance, forcing an EMT to jump out of the moving vehicle. In his attempt to flee, Prieto nearly collided with another ambulance and an EMT that attempted to stop him. After a police pursuit on southbound Highway 99, Prieto crashed in Kern County and was taken into custody.

Prieto is charged with carjacking, kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, fleeing a pursing peace officer, taking a vehicle without consent, and receiving stolen property.  

At his arraignment yesterday afternoon, Prieto entered a not guilty plea and is being held in custody on no bail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing conference on June 29, 2026, in Superior Court. If convicted, Prieto faces 11 years, 4 months in prison.

Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Chief Deputy District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494