In the middle of an emergency call last week, someone stole the Jaws of Life from Oakland firefighters, authorities said.
The firefighters had taken out the tool during the alarm. After they used it, fire officials discovered the equipment had been taken, according to an Oakland Police Department spokesperson.
Used by emergency responders after serious car accidents, the hydraulic tool opens or cuts through wreckage to rescue someone inside. Jaws of Life tools can be operated by a single individual and generally weigh around 50 pounds.
An Oakland Police Department spokesperson said their tools were taken at about 7:15 p.m. Friday in the 1600 block of West Street.
Police did not release any suspect information.
An Oakland Fire Department spokesperson said the agency was working with police to recover the utility.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at (510) 238-3728.