Man who stole CEMS ambulance claims to have ‘no recollection’ of incident in court appearance

Suspect facing multiple charges after joyride across Memphis

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

ATennessee man accused of causing multiple crashes after stealing an ambulance claims he does not remember anything about the evening he absconded with a Crittenden EMS ambulance.

James Miller, 33, made the claims before a judge during an appearance in a Shelby County court in Memphis on Aug. 15 for an arraignment hearing.

He was brought up on a slate of charges — foremost for allegedly stealing an ambulance from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis as CEMS crews worked to deliver an Earle teen struck by a car to the hospital for care. In the few moments between the ambulance crew parking the ambulance and retrieving the teen from the back of the emergency vehicle, Miller entered the ambulance and drove off.

In court, Muller told Judge Karen Massey, he “had no recollection” of the events he’s facing charges for, according to court documents.

The judge responded by saying he could not talk to her about the facts of his case.

Miller is accused of running a red light, hitting and critically injuring a pedestrian, and driving off.

Miller’s escapades also caused multiple crashes before police recovered the ambulance seven miles from the hospital.

He faces charges of reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, theft and driving without a license.

The judge appointed a public defender in the case after Miller said he couldn’t afford a lawyer.

MILLER