The fire truck was on its way to help a person with difficulty breathing when it was struck by an on-coming Chrysler 300 near East 38th Street and Butler Avenue about 11:40 p.m., Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith said.  

The fire truck's light and sirens were activated. The driver of the eastbound Chrysler crossed the center lane and collided with the westbound truck, Reith said.

Police spotted Rodriguez while investigating a report of a suspicious person attempting to break into vehicles near the Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department's station house early Sunday.  

The responding officer noticed one of the fire hall's bay doors open, and the ladder truck idling inside with its lights activated. Rodriguez was in the driver's seat, the release states.

The suspect also stole a fuel card from the fire department, according to the release.