WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -- A Wichita couple is always going to have a bizarre story to tell about their child's birth.

The couple was preparing to head to the hospital early Tuesday when a determined thief stole their only means of transportation, a van warming up in the driveway.

During the ensuing chase, police spiked the van's tires. But the thief kept going on just rims, not stopping until the van was so damaged the front wheel shattered, grinding the brakes down to the axle.

KFDI reports (http://bit.ly/XTA2t3 ) the man had several warrants out for his arrest and had violated probation.

While police were chasing the van, an ambulance took the mother to the hospital. Police later took the father to join her.

It's not known if the woman has had her baby.