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Naked Joyride: Man Steals Ambulance, Leads Police Chase

2/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A 37-year-old man stole an ambulance in Wisconsin Rapids on February 17 and took a patient on a joyride.
A police chase lasted more than 40 minutes and ended when officers deployed a tire deflation device.
Bodycam footage shows the man emerging naked from the ambulance after it stopped.
Both the suspect and the patient were unharmed.
The man was booked at Wood County Jail on multiple charges.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, the U.S. saw a notable rise in crime rates, with violent crime increasing by 11%, as reported by the FBI. This surge heightened public anxiety over safety, particularly in cities like Milwaukee, which faced escalating theft and disorder. The recent ambulance theft in Wisconsin Rapids echoes this historical trend, underscoring ongoing challenges in public safety and the need for effective law enforcement strategies.

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Story summary

A 37-year-old man stole an ambulance in Wisconsin Rapids on February 17 and took a patient on a joyride.
A police chase lasted more than 40 minutes and ended when officers deployed a tire deflation device.
Bodycam footage shows the man emerging naked from the ambulance after it stopped.
Both the suspect and the patient were unharmed.
The man was booked at Wood County Jail on multiple charges.

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