Naked Wisconsin Man Steals Ambulance, Leads Police on Chase With Patient Inside

The suspect swerved around spike strips and drove down bumpy dirt roads at a landfill before hitting Highway 73.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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A 37-year-old Wisconsin man, later identified as Benjamin Feltz of Nekoosa, stole an ambulance with a patient inside and led police on a 20-minute chase that reached speeds of 70 mph. The pursuit ended when a tire popped, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road. When Feltz exited the ambulance, he was completely naked. He was placed under arrest and taken into custody.

Why it matters

Stealing an ambulance with a patient inside is an extremely dangerous and reckless act that puts multiple lives at risk. This incident raises concerns about mental health, substance abuse, and public safety in the Wisconsin Rapids area.

The details

According to the police, the Wisconsin Rapids paramedics had already loaded a patient into the ambulance when Feltz jumped into the driver's seat and forced the paramedics to jump off for their own safety as the ambulance sped off. Feltz swerved around spike strips, flew down bumpy dirt roads at a landfill, and then hit Highway 73 during the 20-minute chase. The pursuit ended when a tire popped, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road near Pittsville.

  • The incident occurred on February 22, 2026.
  • The chase lasted around 20 minutes.

The players

Benjamin Feltz

A 37-year-old man from Nekoosa, Wisconsin who stole the ambulance and led police on the chase.

Wisconsin Rapids Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and pursued the stolen ambulance.

Wood County Sheriff's Department

The department that ultimately apprehended Feltz after the chase.

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What’s next

Feltz is currently in custody, and charges are still pending, including a third offense of driving while intoxicated.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dangers of stealing emergency vehicles and the importance of addressing mental health and substance abuse issues in the community to prevent such reckless and dangerous behavior.