A 37-year-old man was arrested after stealing an ambulance with a patient inside in Wisconsin Rapids, leading police on an 18.2-mile chase through Wood County. The incident began when the suspect entered the driver's seat of a Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department ambulance while paramedics were treating a patient nearby.

Two paramedics were in the vehicle when the man took control, forcing one to exit and the other to leave when safety became compromised. Wisconsin Rapids Police pursued the ambulance for approximately 40 minutes, attempting multiple tire-deflation devices that initially failed. The chase ended when Pittsville Police successfully disabled the front passenger tire, causing the ambulance to become stuck in a muddy field.

The suspect faces multiple charges including disorderly conduct, operating a vehicle without consent, and third-offense operating while intoxicated. Both the suspect and patient were transported to Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital for evaluation but were uninjured. The ambulance sustained only minor damage and was towed from the scene.