Wisconsin Rapids man stole ambulance with patient inside

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – On Feb. 17, Wisconsin Rapids Police found themselves in a high-speed chase with an ambulance — one which still had a patient inside.
According to a criminal complaint, “At approximately 5:27 p.m., Wisconsin Rapids Police Officers were dispatched to a call reporting a naked male doing pushups near the railroad tracks on 21st Avenue South, Wisconsin Rapids. The naked male was also screaming profanities at individuals nearby.”
Multiple witnesses reported seeing the suspect crossing the street, seemingly avoiding the police. The ambulance, which was parked outside a residence at the 1400 block of 22nd Avenue South, had two paramedics in the back tending to a patient when the suspect entered the driver’s seat. According to the complaint, one paramedic exited the back of the ambulance in an attempt to regain control while the other one stayed with the patient, but was forced to jump out when the vehicle began moving.
Police followed the stolen ambulance, which reached speeds over 90 miles per hour, for 18 miles before disabling the vehicle with tire deflation devices on their fourth attempt, ultimately following it into a muddy field. According to the report, 37-year-old Benjamin Feltz was pulled from the driver seat, then cuffed.
“He also admitted to drinking approximately half of a bottle of Fabuloso cleaner sometime in the afternoon (before operating the motor vehicle),” the complaint states. Feltz is also alleged to have threatened officers and, when asked if that was his intent, said, “Yes, I’m threatening you,”
The patient, a 50-year-old woman, was transported to Aspirus Riverview Hospital, where she later told police she yelled at the driver that she had kidney disease, but received no response. Neither the patient nor Feltz were injured, although minor damage to the ambulance was reported.
According to court records, Feltz is charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors, including operating while intoxicated and first-degree recklessly endangering safety. On Feb. 20, a judge ordered he be held on $100,000 cash bond and undergo a competency hearing.