Solomons business owner faces legal problems after ambulance incident

SOLOMONS, Maryland. – In a notable incident, Lauren Ann Simpson was charged with multiple felony counts following a series of events on June 20, 2024, in Solomons, Calvert County, Maryland. Official court documents indicate that Simpson was involved in unauthorized use of a vehicle, obstructing emergency services, and other related charges.

According to court documents, the series of events began when the Solomons Volunteer Rescue Squad Fire Department (SVRSFD) reported the unauthorized use of one of its ambulances. On the day in question, emergency medical services personnel responded to a 911 call at an apartment complex. While the emergency medical services crew was caring for a patient inside the building, the ambulance was driven away from its original parking spot.

Witness testimony and surveillance footage showed that Lauren Ann Simpson attempted to move the ambulance by releasing the parking brake. Since she could not perform the maneuver herself, an unknown man assisted her by opening the passenger door and giving instructions. This interference significantly disrupted the rescue operation and led to several charges against Simpson.

Court documents also show that Simpson was caught driving the ambulance without his consent. When emergency responders returned to the scene, they noticed the vehicle had been moved. This led to an in-depth investigation that gathered additional evidence through surveillance footage and witness statements.

Simpson faces several charges, including entering a vehicle with malicious intent, tampering or attempting to tamper with a vehicle with malicious intent, driving a vehicle without the owner’s consent with the intent to rob the owner and willfully tampering with a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. She is also charged with obstructing firefighters and conduct as a rogue and vagrant, according to court records.

The testimony of the emergency responders, supported by video evidence, played a crucial role in the investigation. Fire Department President Anderson provided a USB drive containing dashcam footage of Simpson’s actions. Additional corroborating evidence came from interviews and the responding officer’s body-worn camera footage, which was instrumental in positively identifying Simpson.

Simpson’s actions are particularly worrying given that the fully equipped ambulance is valued at approximately $600,000, highlighting the significant impact such interventions have on emergency services and the significant costs associated with the vehicle.

Simpson is scheduled to face a preliminary hearing on August 12, 2024.

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case and emphasizes the importance of cooperation with the public and emergency services to ensure justice is served and prevent similar incidents in the future.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

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