An emergency medical technician (EMT) was run over and killed when a man took over her ambulance. The video of a bystander revealed a scene in which an ambulance ran through an intersection in the Bronx with one of its doors open and lights flashing. It was dragging a person who seemed to be trapped underneath the vehicle. According to police, that person was Yadira Arroyo, age 44, an EMT and a mother of five. Her partner, a 30-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries and was in stable condition.
The horrific incident occurred when the suspect jumped on the bumper of the ambulance while the EMTs were responding to a call. A driver who was passing by informed the EMTs about the man on the rear of the ambulance. When Ms. Arroyo and her partner left the ambulance to conduct an investigation, the suspect went inside the vehicle. He placed the vehicle in reverse, ran over Ms. Arroyo and struck the other EMT.
The ambulance only ceased moving when it crashed into parked cars and a mound of snow. When the suspect attempted to flee the scene, an off-duty Metropolitan Transportation Authority officer and many good Samaritans arrested him.
José Gonzalez, age 25, of the Bronx, faces the following charges:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- Two counts of second-degree murder
- First-degree manslaughter
- First-degree robbery
The DA’s office stated that Mr. Gonzalez has a lengthy history of committing misdemeanors in the Bronx. Two such cases are currently pending.
Ms. Arroyo was described as the matriarch of her station. She was also a mother figure to the more than 100 employees at Station 26, where she worked.
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, or lost someone close to you, due to the negligence, or intentional, reckless behavior of another person, call the personal injury attorneys at Proner and Proner. They may be able to investigate the incident, and secure damages for any injuries you suffered. Such compensation may include medical bills, potential future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
