Man Accused of Taking a Wisconsin Rapids Ambulance on a High Speed Chase Facing Multiple Felony Charges

Friday, February 20th, 2026 -- 2:01 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The man accused of taking a Wisconsin Rapids ambulance on a 40-minute joyride to Pittsville is now facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Wood County court.

Benjamin Feltz faces ten counts, including first-degree recklessly endangering safety, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, fleeing an officer, and threatening someone involved in the courts or legal system.

The 37-year-old is accused of jumping into the driver’s seat of the ambulance as two paramedics were securing a patient in the back of the vehicle. One got out to confront him just before he drove off.

The second initially stayed with the patient, but then had to exit for their own safety. Officers from multiple jurisdictions tried to stop the vehicle. The chase ended when the ambulance got stuck in a field near Pittsville.

Feltz eventually surrendered without further incident, and the patient was taken to a nearby hospital. No one was injured in the incident. The ambulance had minor damage.

Additional charges include a 3rd OWI, obstructing emergency response, and lewd behavior, all of which are misdemeanors. He is due in court on Friday at 1:30 PM and is being held on a $100,000 cash bond.

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