Fort Worth stolen ambulance involved in DPS chase, shooting in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - A person who stole a Fort Worth ambulance and evaded Texas Department of Public Safety troopers on a chase in Austin has died.

The upper deck on I-35 will remain closed for some time as the investigation into the incident continues.

What is happening on I-35 in Austin?

The backstory:

Texas DPS says that at around 6:30 a.m., troopers were notified about a stolen Fort Worth Fire/EMS ambulance traveling southbound on I-35 in Williamson County.

A DPS trooper located the ambulance and tried to conduct a traffic stop. Emergency lights were activated but officials say the driver refused to stop and began actively evading law enforcement.

Officials say the driver continued southbound on I-35 and around Highway 290 area in Austin, the driver began intentionally ramming multiple vehicles.

Troopers attempted a pit maneuver, but the ambulance continued to evade and ram vehicles as it got onto the I-35 upper deck.

Officials say that's when a trooper fired their gun at the driver.

The driver died at the scene.

What you can do:

Officials say the upper deck of I-35 where the incident happened will be closed for some time as the investigation continues.

People are asked to avoid the area and find alternate routes.

AustinCrime and Public Safety