Wisconsin man steals ambulance with patient inside, leads police on 18-mile chase
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A Wisconsin man is accused of stealing an ambulance with a patient in the back and leading police on a 40-minute chase.
It happened Tuesday evening, Feb. 17.
According to the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, just after 5:30 p.m. the ambulance was parked on 22nd Avenue while fire department personnel were providing medical care to a patient nearby.
Police say two paramedics were inside the back of the ambulance with one patient secured in a gurney when an individual -- later identified as Benjamin Feltz -- jumped into the driver's seat.
Officials say both paramedics attempted to stop Feltz from driving off; one reported exited the ambulance while the second attempted to prevent the vehicle from being moved but was forced to get out once their safety was compromised.
According to police, Feltz took off in the ambulance with the patient still in the back.
Officials say the Feltz led police on a 40-minute chase spanning 18.2 miles, avoiding several police cruisers and several spike strips.
In Pittsville, police successfully deployed tire-deflation devices but the suspect then drove the ambulance into a muddy field where it became stuck -- bringing the chase to an end.
Officers checked on the patient, who said she "feared for her life" and thought they were going to crash and die according to the complaint.
She was "very shaken up" but not hurt.
Police performed a breathalyzer test and Feltz blew a 0.0 - no alcohol was in his system.
Feltz admitted to police that he may have had some pot and also said he "drank half a bottle of chemical cleaner that afternoon."
Feltz stated that he didn't have a clear reason for doing it and was not trying to hurt himself.
According to the complaint, Feltz complained of chest pain and officers took him to the hospital where he "suddenly became agitated out of nowhere. " He then threatened officers saying, "it's time for you to feel my pain."
Feltz was taken into custody and booked into the Wood County Jail. He is facing four felony and six misdemeanor charges:
- One count of first degree recklessly endangering safety.
- One count of threatening to cause bodily harm to certain individuals involved in the court system.
- One count of operating a motor vehicle without owner's consent.
- One count of attempting to flee or fleeing an officer.
- One count of lewd behavior.
- One count of obstruction of an emergency or rescue persons.
- One count of disorderly conduct.
- One count of operating a vehicle under the influence.
- One count of operating after revocation.
- One count of violating a court order restricting operating a privilege ignition interlock device.
He is due back in court Friday afternoon, Feb. 20.