Woman Flees Smithtown Hospital in Stolen Ambulance

Suffolk County Police arrested Melina Silsbe who fled from police custody after being admitted to St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center  in Smithtown yesterday.

Silsbe, 24, was was brought to the Fourth Precinct after being arrested on Wednesday, October 7 for numerous misdemeanor warrants and one felony warrant. A short time later, she was admitted for a medical condition at St. Catherine of Siena under police guard.

The following evening, at approximately 6 p.m., Silsbe stole an unoccupied ambulance, after freeing herself from restraints, that was running in front of the main entrance of the hospital. The young woman led officers on a car chase along Jericho Turnpike through Commack and onto the Sunken Meadow Parkway where she crashed into another vehicle. Luckily, no one else was injured. The Shirley resident was arrested and transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where she was treated for minor injuries and released.  

In addition to the charges from her previous arrest on October 7, Silsbe is also charged with Escape 2nd Degree, Grand Larceny 4th Degree, Criminal Mischief 4th Degree, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment 2nd Degree and Unlawful Fleeing from a Police Officer. She was arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday, October 9.

Suffolk County Police would like to remind readers that a criminal charge is an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.