Suspect in ambulance theft receives seven years of probation

WOOD COUNTY—Stevens Point man, Benjamin Feltz, was sentenced to seven years of probation in connection to an ambulance theft in Wood County on Feb. 17. 

On the evening of Feb. 17, while naked, Feltz stole an ambulance in Wisconsin Rapids while a patient remained inside. Feltz drove the ambulance at high rates of speed for almost twenty miles, ultimately crashing in a field in Pittsville. The patient remained inside the ambulance for the entirety of the chase, she was reportedly unharmed but shaken from the experience. 

Officers took Feltz into custody, where a preliminary breathalyzer test indicated he had no alcohol in his system. He later admitted to possibly having “pot” in his system, as well as ingesting half a bottle of the chemical cleaner Fabuloso. 

On July 21, Feltz plead not guilty due to insanity or mental defect to the ten charges against him. Then, on Oct. 29, Feltz reached a plea deal and plead no contest to first degree recklessly endangering safety and OWI third offense. According to court records, the eight remaining charges were dismissed but read in. 

For the charge of first degree recklessly endangering safety, Feltz received seven years of probation. He also must attend counseling if deemed necessary, have no contact with the victim, take medications as prescribed, and pay restitution in the amount of $31,337.36.

For the charge of OWI third offense, Feltz received 45 days in jail, however that was considered served as he already spent 254 days of jail. Feltz must pay a fine totaling $1,869, complete an alcohol assessment, and submit a DNA sample. His driver’s license was revoked for two years and he must utilize an ignition interlock device for two years.