WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (WFRV) – On Tuesday, a man led authorities on an 18-mile pursuit through central Wisconsin after allegedly stealing an ambulance with a patient inside.
Around 5:35 p.m. on February 17, officers with the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department initiated a pursuit with a stolen Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department ambulance.
The incident began while fire department personnel were treating a patient at a residence near the 1400 block of 22nd Avenue South. With a victim secured to a gurney in the back of the ambulance alongside two paramedics, an unidentified person got into the driver’s seat.
Fond du Lac police investigating additional home entries in Primrose Lane area
One paramedic reportedly got out to try and ‘engage’ the suspect, while the second paramedic tried to prevent the vehicle from being moved. Both paramedics were forced to exit once the situation got too dangerous.
The suspect, later identified as Benjamin L. Feltz, then fled the scene with the patient still inside the ambulance.
After a few unsuccessful tire deflation devices early on in the pursuit, one was successful 18.2 miles later in the City of Pittsville, 40 minutes after the pursuit began.
With the front passenger side tire deflated, Feltz drove the ambulance into a muddy field near 8890 State Highway 73/80 where it reportedly got stuck.
Officers noted that while Feltz was allegedly refusing multiple commands to get out of the ambulance, authorities deployed a drone to safely observe the situation from a distance, especially with the urgent concern for the patient.
Cocaine found on New London School District property, employee arrested
After a coordinated effort by law enforcement, Feltz was taken into custody without further incident.
Both Feltz and the patient were uninjured but were taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Minor damage was reported to the ambulance, and it was towed from the scene.
Feltz was booked into the Wood County Jail, and the following charges are being requested through the DA’s office:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Lewd and lascivious behavior
- Obstructing emergency personnel
- Operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent
- Operating while intoxicated – 3rd offense
- Recklessly endangering safety
- Threats to law enforcement
The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department thanks all assisting agencies for their coordinated response and professionalism, which ensured the safe recovery of the patient and resolution of this high-risk incident.
Wisconsin Rapids Police Department
No additional details were provided.
