As first responders worked the explosion scene, a man stole a SunStar Ambulance. Officers used GPS to track the man and the ambulance to the area of Pine Street and the Pinellas Trail. The ambulance was found abandoned with its doors open and lights still flashing.
The suspect entered the Tarpon Springs Water Treatment Facility located nearby.
Officers confronted the suspect in a poorly lit area, officials said. The suspect allegedly heldwhat were then unidentified objects in both hands.
Officers advised the suspect several times to "stop and get on the ground," but he charged toward them.
The suspect was tackled and continued to struggle with the officers, despite being Tased.
The objects in his hands were determined to be a flashlight and a potato. A tomato was also found in a back pocket. Officers stated the Taser did not seem to affect the man.
The suspect was taken to Florida Hospital North Pinellas, treated and released for booking into the Pinellas County Jail. The man has not been officially identified, but officials said he identified himself repeatedly as "Maggie," "Shadow" and "Spartacus."
The suspect has been charged with grand theft of an ambulance, burglary to the water treatment plant and resisting arrest with violence.
