TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested after being accused of stealing a Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance on Saturday and leading police on a chase.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, troopers were alerted to a stolen ambulance from HCA South Tampa Hospital.

Troopers said they located the ambulance at South Esperanza Avenue and West Bay to Bay Boulevard.

FHP attempted to make a traffic stop, but the driver, identified as Michael J. Esquilin, 43, evaded their attempts, leading them on a pursuit that continued for several miles.

During the car chase, Esquilin ran several stop signs and drove on the wrong side of the road, nearly colliding with other vehicles.

The driver stopped the ambulance at the intersection of South Huberty Avenue and West Empedrado Street, where, troopers said, he proceeded to drink a beer in front of them.

According to FHP, while attempting to arrest the driver, he held onto the steering wheel and resisted.

Troopers said Esquilin told them he had been drinking for two days and stole the ambulance after asking emergency personnel for a ride home and being denied.

FHP arrested Esquilin and charged him with burglary of an emergency vehicle, grand theft of an emergency vehicle, fleeing and eluding, driving with a suspended license, DUI, and resisting arrest.