Naked Man Steals Ambulance with 'Dying' Patient Inside, Leads Police on Chase

Benjamin Feltz, 37, has been charged with multiple felonies after the incident in Wisconsin Rapids.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 37-year-old man in Wisconsin allegedly stole an ambulance while naked, with a patient suffering from kidney disease still inside. The resulting high-speed chase ended when the ambulance's tire deflated, and the patient was unharmed. Feltz has been charged with several felonies, including first-degree reckless endangerment and taking a vehicle without consent.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about public safety and the need for better protocols to secure emergency vehicles and protect vulnerable patients during medical transports. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with individuals who may be experiencing mental health crises.

The details

According to authorities, Feltz allegedly jumped into the driver's seat of the ambulance as paramedics were loading a patient inside. He then sped away with the patient still in the back, leading police on a 20-minute high-speed chase. The patient reportedly pleaded with Feltz, saying she was 'dying from kidney disease,' in an attempt to get him to stop, but he continued driving until the ambulance's tire deflated.

  • The incident occurred on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Wood County, Wisconsin.
  • Feltz appeared in court for an initial appearance on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, where a judge ordered a mental competency evaluation.

The players

Benjamin Feltz

A 37-year-old man who has been charged with multiple felonies, including first-degree reckless endangerment and taking a vehicle without consent, after allegedly stealing an ambulance while naked and leading police on a high-speed chase with a patient inside.

Wood County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and apprehended Feltz after the high-speed chase.

Wisconsin Rapids Police Department

The law enforcement agency that also responded to the incident and assisted in Feltz's apprehension.

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What they’re saying

“I'm dying from kidney disease!”

— The patient in the ambulance (WISN)

“It's your turn to die.”

— Benjamin Feltz (WISN)

What’s next

A date for Feltz's mental competency hearing has not yet been set.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for improved security measures and protocols to protect vulnerable patients during medical transports, as well as the importance of addressing mental health crises in a way that prioritizes public safety.