A 37-year-old Wisconsin man allegedly climbed into the driver's seat of an ambulance while completely naked as paramedics were loading a critically ill patient into the back of the vehicle on Tuesday. Benjamin L. Feltz of Wisconsin Rapids now faces four felony charges and six misdemeanor charges in connection with the incident, according to arrest records.

According to the NY Post, Feltz allegedly drove off in the stolen ambulance with the patient still inside, sparking a high-speed pursuit that lasted more than 40 minutes, covered 18 miles, and ended when the vehicle became stuck in a muddy cornfield in the town of Pittsfield.

The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of both emergency medical personnel and the patients they serve. When a routine medical transport can be disrupted so violently, it underscores the unpredictable dangers that first responders encounter daily — and the vulnerability of patients who place their trust in the emergency medical system.

A Paramedic's Worst Fear Becomes Reality

According to arrest documents, the ordeal began Tuesday when two Wisconsin Rapids paramedics were in the process of loading a seriously ill patient into the rear of their ambulance. While they attended to the patient, they heard a door close and looked up to find a naked man sitting in the driver's seat. The paramedics immediately shouted at him, yelling, "What are you doing?" and demanding that he exit the vehicle.

One of the paramedics rushed to the cab and attempted to physically remove Feltz from the ambulance. Despite those efforts, Feltz allegedly put the vehicle in motion and began driving away. As the ambulance pulled forward, the second paramedic was forced to jump out of the moving vehicle, leaving the ailing patient trapped inside with the suspect.

The patient, who reportedly suffers from kidney disease, feared for her life during the harrowing ride. She reportedly screamed, "I'm dying from kidney disease," as the ambulance sped through Wisconsin roadways with its sirens blaring.

Over 90 Miles per Hour Through Busy Highways

A police officer soon spotted the stolen ambulance and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Feltz allegedly refused to pull over, and a high-speed pursuit ensued. The chase stretched across 18 miles and lasted for more than 40 minutes, with the ambulance reportedly reaching speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.

During the pursuit, the ambulance traveled through a dirt road at the Cranberry Creek Landfill before reaching Wisconsin's Highway 73. On the busy highway, Feltz allegedly swerved erratically, putting other motorists at significant risk. Officers eventually deployed a tire deflation device, successfully striking the ambulance's tires.

Even after the tires were deflated, Feltz allegedly made what arrest documents described as an "aggressive maneuver" in the town of Pittsfield. He then drove the ambulance off the road and into a muddy cornfield, where the vehicle became stuck and could no longer continue.

Suspect Arrested Naked and Allegedly Intoxicated

Police body-camera footage reportedly shows Feltz stepping out of the ambulance completely naked while officers surrounded the vehicle with guns drawn. According to arrest records, Feltz appeared intoxicated and was slurring his words at the time of his arrest. Officers took him into custody without further incident.

During questioning, Feltz allegedly confessed to drinking half a bottle of Fabuloso chemical cleaner prior to the incident. He also reportedly claimed he had some "pot" in his system. Arrest records indicate Feltz had two prior convictions for operating while intoxicated and did not possess a valid driver's license at the time of the alleged theft.

Feltz has been charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors, including first-degree reckless endangering safety, according to Fox 6. He is currently being held on a $100,000 bond.

Lessons to Learn

1. Emergency medical personnel should remain vigilant about vehicle security during patient transfers. While paramedics must focus on patient care, this case illustrates how quickly an unsecured ambulance cab can be exploited by an opportunistic individual. Agencies may want to review protocols for locking vehicles during loading procedures.

2. Patients and bystanders who find themselves in a dangerous situation should try to remain as calm as possible and avoid actions that could escalate the threat. The patient in this case was trapped and had limited options, but staying low and avoiding confrontation with an impaired suspect can reduce the risk of physical harm.

3. Communities should support law enforcement training in pursuit tactics and tire deflation deployment, as these tools proved critical in safely ending this chase.

Why This Story Matters

This case highlights the real dangers that first responders and their patients face, even during routine medical calls. It serves as a sobering reminder that emergency vehicles and the vulnerable people inside them can become targets of criminal behavior. The community must grapple with how to better protect those who dedicate their lives to saving others, while also addressing the broader issues of substance abuse and repeat offenders who continue to pose risks to public safety.

In summary, Benjamin L. Feltz, 37, allegedly hijacked a Wisconsin Rapids ambulance on Tuesday while naked, driving off with a critically ill patient still inside as paramedics tried to stop him. The ensuing chase lasted over 40 minutes, covered 18 miles, and saw speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour before a tire deflation device and a muddy cornfield in Pittsfield brought the pursuit to an end.

Feltz, who allegedly admitted to consuming Fabuloso chemical cleaner and having marijuana in his system, had two prior intoxicated-driving convictions and no valid license. He now faces four felonies and six misdemeanors, including first-degree reckless endangering safety, and is being held on a $100,000 bond.