Stolen Ambulance From Wisconsin Rapids Leads to High Speed Chase

Thursday, February 19th, 2026 -- 12:00 PM

(Justin Betti, WAOW) A dramatic pursuit of a stolen ambulance. with a patient inside, ended safely in Pittsville on February 17. 

According to Justin Betti with WAOW, the ambulance was stolen from the 1400 block of 22nd Avenue South in Wisconsin Rapids. It was parked while paramedics attended to a patient at a nearby home.

The suspect, Benjamin L. Feltz, entered the vehicle and drove off, leading police on an 18.2-mile pursuit. Wisconsin Rapids officers attempted to end the chase using tire-deflation devices, but these efforts were initially unsuccessful.

As the pursuit continued into Pittsville, local police successfully deployed a tire-deflation device, causing the ambulance to become stuck in a muddy field near 8890 State Highway 73/80 in Pittsville.

Feltz was taken into custody without incident. Both he and the patient were unharmed. The patient and Feltz were transported to Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital for evaluation.

Charges against Feltz include disorderly conduct and operating a motor vehicle without consent. The Wisconsin Rapids Police Department expressed gratitude to the assisting agencies for their professionalism and coordination.

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