Benjamin Feltz, 37, allegedly commandeered an ambulance while naked on Feb. 17 in Wood County, Wisconsin, and fled with a patient inside. A roughly 20-minute high-speed chase ended after an ambulance tire deflated; the patient later said she shouted, "I'm dying from kidney disease!" to try to get him to stop and was not physically injured. Feltz faces multiple felony counts and six misdemeanors; a judge ordered a mental competency evaluation and he is held on $100,000 bond.
Naked Man Allegedly Steals Ambulance With Patient Inside, Sparks 20-Minute High-Speed Chase
Police bodycam footage of the arrest of Benjamin Feltz in Wood County, Wis.wisconsin rapids police department
Benjamin Feltz, 37, is accused of seizing control of an ambulance while naked on the evening of Feb. 17 in Wood County, Wisconsin, then driving off with a patient still in the rear, according to local reports from WISN 12, Fox 6 Now and PEOPLE.
What Happened
Wisconsin Rapids paramedics were loading a patient into the ambulance when authorities say Feltz climbed into the driver’s seat and accelerated away. Paramedics attempted to stop him, but the vehicle fled, prompting a high-speed pursuit that lasted roughly 20 minutes. Officials say the chase ended after an ambulance tire deflated and officers were able to take the vehicle under control.
Patient Account And Evidence
The patient in the ambulance later told investigators she shouted to Feltz,
"I'm dying from kidney disease!"in an effort to get him to stop. Media reports and the legal complaint indicate the patient did not suffer physical injuries during the theft or pursuit. Police body-worn camera footage released by authorities reportedly shows Feltz exiting the ambulance completely naked with his hands raised.
Police car with lights on (stock image)Getty Images/iStockphoto
Charges And Court Proceedings
Wood County public court records list multiple felony charges filed against Feltz, including first-degree reckless endangerment, taking and driving a vehicle without consent, threatening to cause bodily harm to individuals involved with the court or legal system, and fleeing an officer. Prosecutors also charged him with six misdemeanors, among them lewd behavior and indecent exposure.
At an initial court appearance on Feb. 20, a judge ordered a mental competency evaluation. Court records show Feltz remains held in custody on a $100,000 bond. The date for the competency hearing had not been set in public records at the time of reporting.
Additional Details
According to the legal complaint, while in custody Feltz allegedly threatened officers and reportedly shouted,
"It's your turn to die."The Wood County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment from media outlets.
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