RAPIDS, Wis. (WFRV) — A man suspected of stealing an ambulance carrying patients led authorities on an 18-mile chase through central Wisconsin on Tuesday.
On February 17 at approximately 5:35 p.m., officers from the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department initiated a pursuit using a stolen Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department ambulance.
Fire department personnel were treating a patient at a home near the 1400 block of South 22nd Avenue when the incident occurred. As a victim was secured to a gurney in the back of the ambulance with two paramedics, an unidentified person got into the driver’s seat.
Fond du Lac police are investigating more residential entrances in the Primrose Lane area
One paramedic reportedly got out of the car and tried to “make contact” with the suspect, while another paramedic tried to stop the vehicle from moving. Once the situation became too dangerous, both paramedics were forced to evacuate.
The suspect, later identified as Benjamin L. Feltz, fled the scene while the patient remained inside the ambulance.
Several tire deflation devices were unsuccessful early in the pursuit, but they were successfully deflated 18.2 miles later, 40 minutes into the pursuit, in Pittsville.
Due to a flat front passenger side tire, Felts drove the ambulance into a muddy patch near State Route 73/80 8890, where the ambulance was reportedly stuck.
Police noted that while Fields allegedly refused multiple commands to leave the ambulance, authorities deployed a drone to safely observe the situation from a distance, especially given the urgent concerns for the patient.
Cocaine found on New London School District property, employee arrested
Following coordinated law enforcement efforts, Felts was taken into custody without further incident.
Neither Felts nor the patient were injured but were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. The ambulance was reported to have sustained minor damage and was towed from the scene.
Felts is being held in the Wood County Jail with the following charges requested through the District Attorney’s Office:
-
lewd and lascivious conduct
-
Obstruct first responders
-
Driving a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent
-
Operating while intoxicated – third offense
-
Recklessly endangering safety
-
Threat to law enforcement
The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department thanks all assisting agencies for their coordinated response and professionalism that ensured the patient’s safe recovery and resolution of this high-risk incident.
Wisconsin Rapids Police Department
No further details were provided.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 – Green Bay, Appleton.
