A central Wisconsin man, Benjamin Feltz, 37, is accused of stealing an ambulance with a patient inside and leading police on a dangerous chase. According to court records from Wood County Circuit Court, Feltz has been charged with first-degree recklessly endangering safety, threatening to cause bodily harm to individuals involved with the legal system, taking and driving a vehicle without consent, and fleeing or eluding an officer, along with six misdemeanor counts.
The incident unfolded Tuesday night in Wisconsin Rapids as paramedics were loading a patient into an ambulance. Authorities say a man suddenly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped off while emergency personnel shouted for him to stop and get out. The patient, who reportedly suffers from kidney disease, was said to be terrified and told the driver she was “dying from kidney disease” as the vehicle sped away.
Dangerous Chase and Arrest
Body camera footage released by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department shows the ambulance swerving around tire spikes set up by officers, driving through a landfill, and continuing onto a highway. Officers relayed descriptions over the radio, noting that the suspect 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. He complied and was taken into custody, while officers checked on the patient, who was later transported safely to a nearby hospital.
Alleged Threats and Court Appearance
Authorities allege that Feltz continued making threats after his arrest. According to the criminal complaint, he told an officer, “It’s time for you to feel my pain,” and “It’s your turn to die,” and allegedly acknowledged, “Yes, I’m threatening you.” He also reportedly told police he had consumed about half a bottle of chemical cleaner earlier in the day and may have had marijuana in his system.
Feltz was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday afternoon as the case moves forward.
