2/18/26 Wisconsin Rapids, WI – Paramedics Provide Care – Man Jumps In Driver’s Seat And Steals Ambulance – 40 Mile Pursuit – Stuck In Mud – Suspect Arrested

A man was arrested Tuesday after allegedly stealing an ambulance with a patient inside and leading police on an 18-mile pursuit.

The incident happened around 5 p.m. when the suspect took control of a Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department ambulance while paramedics were providing care.

According to the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, the ambulance was parked when a man entered the driver’s seat.

One paramedic exited to confront the suspect while another attempted to prevent the vehicle from moving but was forced to exit for safety reasons. The suspect, later identified as Benjamin L. Feltz, then drove away with the patient still on a gurney.

The 40-minute pursuit covered approximately 18.2 miles from Wisconsin Rapids to Pittsville. Multiple agencies, including the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsville Police Department, Port Edwards Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol, assisted in the pursuit.

The chase finally ended near Highway 73/80 in Pittsville, where the disabled ambulance’s front passenger-side tire was deflated
with deflation devices.

Feltz then drove into a field where the vehicle became stuck in mud.

After Feltz refused commands to exit, officers deployed a drone to monitor the situation before approaching the ambulance and taking him into custody without incident.

Both Feltz and the patient were uninjured and transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The ambulance sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene.

Feltz was booked into the Wood County Jail. Authorities are requesting multiple charges through the District Attorney’s Office, including disorderly conduct, lewd and lascivious behavior, operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent, obstructing emergency personnel, recklessly endangering safety, threats to law enforcement and his third offense of operating while intoxicated.

The patient’s identity is being withheld for privacy reasons.