Benjamin Feltz
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — The man accused of stealing a working ambulance and taking it on a ride from Wisconsin Rapids to a field near Pittsville has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Attorneys for Benjamin Feltz entered the plea on Tuesday, according to court records. He’s accused of hijacking the vehicle as two paramedics were securing a patient in the back, then taking off.
One paramedic unsuccessfully attempted to stop Feltz; the second eventually had to exit the vehicle for their own safety. The patient remained in the vehicle for the duration of the ride, but was not harmed.
Officers from multiple jurisdictions tried to stop the vehicle. The chase ended when the vehicle got stuck in a muddy field near Pittsville. Feltz eventually surrendered without further incident, and a second ambulance came to take the patient to the hospital.
Charges against the 38-year-old include first-degree recklessly endangering safety, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, fleeing an officer, and threatening someone involved in the courts or legal system. He also faces misdemeanors for a 3rd OWI, obstructing emergency response, and lewd behavior. The latter charge stems from the fact that he was naked during the incident.
A judge has ordered a mental competency examination. Further court action is scheduled for August 27th.
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