A man who allegedly stole an ambulance and led a police chase from Edmonton to Jasper has been denied bail and will remain in custody until July 15.

John Hamilton Buchanan made his first appearance in Hinton provincial court via CCTV on Wednesday, June 17, where he told the court he had yet to retain a lawyer. Buchanan appeared distracted during the hearing and said very little, and was instructed to secure a lawyer quickly.

Buchanan is facing ten charges stemming from the event, including two counts of assault and evading arrest, three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, one count of possession of stolen property, one count of evading arrest and one count of driving a motor vehicle without insurance.

Crown attorney Dave Clifton called the case “complex and involved” and said the crown will proceed with election through indictment. 

Judge Don Norheim warned Buchanan that he should contact legal aid as soon as possible.

“You’re facing serious charges,” Judge Norheim said. 

The judge was warned there may also be ‘assessment issues’ with Buchanan as well.

The charges stem from an incident on May 30, when Buchanan allegedly stole an ambulance that was left idling in front of an Edmonton hospital. The chase involved RCMP from Edmonton, Edson, Jasper and Hinton, and on three occasions, the ambulance avoided spike belts laid down by the RCMP. According to RCMP reports, Buchanan was allegedly listening to the police with the radio inside of the stolen ambulance.

The ambulance was eventually stopped near Snaring creek.