Tuesday, August 31, 2010 By Bob Connors - NBC Connecticut

There's big trouble for a Waterbury man accused of stealing an ambulance in New Haven early Monday morning.

Michael Chowka III, 36, is facing charges after jumping in the ambulance and taking off from 1354 Chapel Street, police said.

Officers pursued the stolen rig but called it off the chase after a short distance.

Police in towns around New Haven were on the lookout for Chowka and the stolen ambulance.

Seymour officers positioned along route 67 spotted the ambulance traveling with out lights and sirens on around 5:30 a.m. They deployed stop sticks, which shredded the ambulance's tires.

Chowka was arrested without incident and returned to New Haven police.