Novi MI, October 27, 2025
News Summary
Changlin Li, a 33-year-old man from Novi, is in custody after he allegedly stole a Medstar ambulance. The incident, which occurred with a paramedic and patient inside, escalated when Li drove recklessly, ultimately crashing the vehicle. His reckless actions resulted in injuries to a 72-year-old man and several charges including carjacking and attempting to disarm a police officer. Li remains in custody with a bond set at $5 million.
Novi – A 33-year-old man named Changlin Li from Novi is in custody after stealing an ambulance that had a paramedic and a patient onboard. The incident took place at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Novi Road and Ten Mile Road in Northville Township.
Li was receiving treatment in the back of a Medstar ambulance, which included multiple other patients, when he allegedly stole the vehicle. The situation escalated quickly as Li drove the ambulance at speeds exceeding 70 mph, maneuvering through construction zones and disregarding traffic signals. Police Chief Erick Zinser confirmed that medical personnel were able to track the ambulance during this chaotic situation and communicated its location to law enforcement.
The stolen ambulance eventually crashed into a GMC Yukon, injuring a 72-year-old man from Plymouth who was subsequently hospitalized with a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs. Following the crash, a fire broke out, leading to the ambulance being deemed a “total loss.”
All three individuals inside the ambulance sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital for further medical evaluation. After the crash, Li attempted to flee the scene and resisted arrest by struggling with police officers, during which he allegedly tried to take an officer’s gun. Upon his arrest, Li was found in possession of a knife.
While at the hospital, Li reportedly made another attempt to disarm an officer by trying to take a gun from the officer’s holster. He faces multiple felony charges, including one count of carjacking, one count of fleeing and eluding, two counts of assaulting, resisting, and obstructing police, two counts of attempting to disarm a police officer, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 5, with a bond set at $5 million. At the time of this report, no attorney was listed in court records as representing Li.
In light of the incident, Medstar’s CEO expressed gratitude for the safety of the crew and praised the response from partner agencies during the emergency.
Key Facts
- Incident Date and Time: Approximately 3:15 p.m. on Friday
- Location: Intersection of Novi Road and Ten Mile Road, Northville Township
- Individual Involved: Changlin Li, 33 years old
- Charges: Multiple felony charges including carjacking and assaulting police
- Injuries: 72-year-old man hospitalized, all individuals in ambulance sustained non-life-threatening injuries
- Hospital: Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital
- Next Court Appearance: Scheduled for November 5
- Bond Amount: Set at $5 million
Background
This incident highlights the dangers first responders face while providing emergency medical services. With an increase in criminal activity related to the theft of vehicles, the response and tracking capabilities of medical personnel have become more crucial. The ability of police to swiftly locate stolen emergency vehicles can directly impact the safety of both patients and medical staff during such incidents.
FAQ
What happened in Novi?
A 33-year-old man named Changlin Li from Novi is in custody after stealing an ambulance with a paramedic and a patient onboard.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Friday.
Where did the incident take place?
It occurred at the intersection of Novi Road and Ten Mile Road in Northville Township.
What charges is Changlin Li facing?
Li has been charged with several felonies, including one count of carjacking, one count of fleeing and eluding, two counts of assaulting, resisting, and obstructing police, two counts of attempting to disarm a police officer, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon.
What injuries were reported?
The 72-year-old man from Plymouth was hospitalized with a dislocated shoulder and broken ribs. All three individuals in the ambulance sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
When is Changlin Li’s next court appearance?
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 5.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Changlin Li |
| Age | 33 years |
| Incident Type | Ambulance Theft |
| Charges | Multiple felonies including carjacking |
| Next Court Date | November 5 |
| Bond Amount | $5 million |
| Injuries from Incident | 72-year-old man hospitalized with severe injuries |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ambulance Stolen During Crash Response in Novi
Ambulance Stolen During Emergency Response in Michigan
Stolen Ambulance Catches Fire in Oakland County
Ambulance Stolen During Emergency Response in Novi
Ambulance Stolen During Emergency Response in Novi
Suspect Steals Ambulance with Patient Inside in Novi
Ambulance Stolen from Crash Scene in Novi
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Stolen Ambulance Crash in Novi
- Wikipedia: Ambulance
- MLive: Ambulance Stolen with Patient Inside
- Google Search: Ambulance Theft
- Fox 2 Detroit: Ambulance Incident Video
- Google Scholar: Emergency Medical Services Theft
- CBS News: Man Steals Ambulance in Santa Rosa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ambulance
- CBS News: Stolen Ambulance in Elmhurst
- Google News: Ambulance Theft Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
