Gregory Brian McGall, 36, pleaded guilty to a plea deal that will keep him behind bars for 25 years after his joyride in a stolen emergency vehicle ended in a crash and a multi-day search led by Florida Highway Patrol and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Gregory Brian McGall, a 36-year-old Florida man, has accepted a plea deal that will result in a 25-year prison sentence for his involvement in a high-speed chase, stolen vehicle, and criminal mischief spree that culminated in a crash and a multi-day manhunt.
On March 22, McGall allegedly jumped into an American Medical Response (AMR) Chevy Tahoe that was called to the scene of a crash on Interstate 275. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), McGall was initially driving a stolen pickup truck that he had crashed.
Florida Man's Joyride in Stolen EMS Vehicle Ends in Crash and 25-Year Prison Sentence
FHP pursued McGall, but he eluded capture and continued his rampage. In dash camera footage, McGall was seen at the wheel of the stolen EMS vehicle, driving recklessly and breaking a laptop by folding it backwards and throwing it out the window.
The joyride came to an abrupt end when McGall crashed the EMS vehicle into a grassy fenced field. He then fled on foot, leaving the stolen vehicle behind.
Florida Man's Joyride in Stolen EMS Vehicle Ends in Crash and 25-Year Prison Sentence
After a search that lasted several days, HCSO deputies located McGall on March 26 in a silver Nissan Altima. The vehicle was driven by Jerry Skidmore, 42, who had active warrants.
Deputies stopped the vehicle at a gas station and attempted to arrest McGall and Skidmore. However, the pair attempted to flee and were promptly apprehended.
Florida Man's Joyride in Stolen EMS Vehicle Ends in Crash and 25-Year Prison Sentence
McGall's charges include criminal mischief, aggravated assault, grand theft of a motor vehicle, and carjacking. Skidmore was charged with fleeing and attempting to elude, aggravated assault on law enforcement with a deadly weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
"This operation exemplifies the dedication and coordination of our specialized units," said Sheriff Chad Chronister of the HCSO. "Through their diligent efforts, we successfully arrested two individuals who were wanted for serious crimes, ensuring the safety of our community."
Florida Man's Joyride in Stolen EMS Vehicle Ends in Crash and 25-Year Prison Sentence
McGall's plea deal was reached in Hillsborough County Court, and he will serve 25 years in prison. Prosecutors indicated that if he had not accepted the plea deal, he would have faced life imprisonment for his crimes.
The incident highlights the dangers of unauthorized vehicle use and the consequences of endangering public safety. The cooperation between the Florida Highway Patrol and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office led to the successful apprehension of McGall and Skidmore, ensuring that they will be held accountable for their actions.
