Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a theft from an ambulance that was in the shop for repairs. Morongo Basin Ambulance Operations Chief Matt Welsch said the Mercedes Sprinter ambulance had been towed to an area dealership for repairs. While in the shop’s parking lot, two men in an SUV cut off the ambulance’s catalytic converter about 6:30 a.m. Saturday and left with it. Welsch said deputies told him that this type of theft has been increasing over the last month. MBA is working with its insurance company on a claim, but the non-profit organization will have to cover the deductible, and the ambulance will remain out of service until it is repaired. Welsch stressed there will be no impact on MBA’s normal operations and staffing levels, as it has a reserve ambulance to cover in instances such as these. Anyone with information about the theft should call the Sheriff’s Department at 760-366-4175.
