by Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin — A 37-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he stole an ambulance with a patient inside and led officers on a chaotic chase across central Wisconsin.
According to court records in Wood County, Benjamin Feltz has been charged with:
- First-degree recklessly endangering safety
- Threatening to cause bodily harm to certain individuals involved with a court or legal system
- Taking and driving a vehicle without consent
- Fleeing or eluding an officer as a vehicle operator
He also faces six misdemeanor counts.
Ambulance Taken During Emergency Call
Authorities say the incident unfolded Tuesday night when paramedics in Wisconsin Rapids had just loaded a patient into the back of an ambulance.
Suddenly, a man allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off.
Paramedics reportedly shouted, “What are you doing?” and repeatedly ordered the driver to stop and get out. The commands were ignored.
Inside the ambulance, the patient — who later told police she was frightened for her life — screamed at the suspect.
“I’m dying from kidney disease,” she reportedly yelled as the ambulance sped away.
High-Speed Pursuit
Body camera footage released by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department shows the ambulance swerving around tire-deflation spikes, driving through a landfill and eventually entering a highway.
Officers can be heard describing the suspect over police radio, noting he appeared to be naked with long brown hair and a beard.
The pursuit ended when the ambulance veered off the highway and became stuck in a field.
Police ordered the suspect to shut off the vehicle and exit with his hands up.
Authorities say Feltz eventually complied, allowing officers to safely check on the patient in the back. The patient was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Alleged Threats After Arrest
Even after being taken into custody, prosecutors say Feltz continued making threats. According to the criminal complaint, he allegedly told an officer:
“It’s time for you to feel my pain.”
“Yes, I’m threatening you.”
“It’s your turn to die.”
Investigators also said Feltz claimed he had consumed roughly half a bottle of chemical cleaner earlier that day and suggested marijuana may have been in his system.
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Court Proceedings
Feltz was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday afternoon.
If convicted on the felony charges, he could face significant prison time. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges may be filed.
The case has drawn attention due to the dangerous nature of the alleged theft and the presence of a vulnerable patient inside the vehicle during the chase.
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