A Different Kind Of Ambulance Chase Leads To Proposed Consent Disbarment
An Illinois attorney has filed a motion for disbarment by consent
On April 25, 2022, Movant took possession of a parked Chicago Fire Department ambulance in Chicago. Movant then drove the ambulance from the firehouse where it was stationed, for approximately 60 miles, to Grundy County, Illinois. During the drive, Movant was pursued first by the Chicago Police and then by the Illinois State Police. During the pursuit,
Movant ran over several spike strips placed on the roadway by the police authorities but continued to drive the ambulance on the rims of the ambulance wheels, causing damage to the ambulance. Movant ultimately stopped the vehicle on Interstate-55 in Grundy County and was apprehended.
In the criminal case
On July 13, 2023, Movant pled guilty to the new information filed in case number 23CM150. On that date, the Honorable Scott M. Belt found Movant guilty of criminal trespass to a motor vehicle, in violation of Chapter 720, Act 5, Section 21-2 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes. On that date, the State moved to dismiss the original felony charges filed against Respondent in case 22CF117.
On July 13, 2023, Judge Belt entered a judgment of conviction against Movant in case number 23CM150 and sentenced Movant to 24 months of conditional discharge and 180 days in the Grundy County jail, with time considered served. Judge Belt further ordered that Movant pay fines and costs, obtain a drug, alcohol and mental health evaluation and complete any recommended treatment and pay restitution in the amount of $7,833.44 for the benefit of the Chicago Fire Department, for the cost of the damages Movant caused to the ambulance.
WGN 9 reported on the sad story
SkyCam9 observed the stolen ambulance driving on the outbound Stevenson at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. At around 5:55 p.m., the left rear wheel was blown out.
Herrington was taken into custody near mile marker 217 around 6:30 p.m. One lane of southbound I-55 was closed for hours as police wrapped up the investigation.
WGN News independently obtained footage from a city pod camera that shows the moment the ambulance was stolen. Herrington’s mother, Nicky, said her son told her the ambulance was left unlocked with the keys in it.
Once on the road, Nicky said Herrington called her and said he was scared and trying to drive to St. Louis to get her. She said that he told her he needed help with an addiction problem and needed mental help treatment.
Herrington was once a prominent attorney who practiced for several years in the Chicago area after getting his law degree in 2003, his mother said. He lost his job in December and became homeless while suffering from mental illness and drug addiction the last few years, Nicky said.
(Mike Frisch)