Benjamin Feltz
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — The man accused of taking a working Wisconsin Rapids ambulance on a 40-minute joyride to Pittsville has reached a plea deal with the state.
Benjamin Feltz entered a no contest plea for felony recklessly endangering safety and a misdemeanor OWI. Prosecutors then dismissed three additional felony counts but read them into the record, along with a handful of misdemeanors.
A judge then withheld his sentence for seven years of probation. Terms include treatment and counseling, a mental health evaluation, and a full no-contact order with the victim. He will also pay nearly $32,000 in court costs and restitution.
Should he complete the probationary period, he will not serve prison time.
The 37-year-old approached paramedics as they were securing a patient in the back of the vehicle, stripped naked, and jumped in the driver’s seat. One paramedic got out to confront him as he drove off; the second initially stayed with the patient but ultimately had to exit for their own safety.
Officers from multiple agencies tried to stop the vehicle before it became stuck in a field outside Pittsville. Feltz eventually surrendered without further incident. Another ambulance was then brought in to take the patient to the hospital.
No injuries were reported. The ambulance did suffer minor damage.
Charges that were dismissed but read into the record included fleeing an officer, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, lewd behavior, and obstructing an emergency response.
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