EMT Yadira Arroyo's colleagues gather for murder suspect's plea hearing
MORRISANIA, Bronx (WABC) -- The suspected carjacker charged in the death of a 44-year-old EMT in the Bronx pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday.
Jose Gonzalez appeared before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas, as many EMTs assembled in support of victim Yadira Arroyo.
After the hearing, more then 100 EMTs chanted "Yadi" during a news conference outside the courthouse. Watch a fellow EMT's speech, followed by the chant here:
Arroyo, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY and a mother of five sons, was responding with another emergency medical technician to a routine call last month when they were flagged down by a pedestrian about a theft, authorities say. Arroyo got out of the vehicle and a man darted into the driver's seat and ran over her, officials say.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark on Wednesday announced that Gonzalez was indicted on first-degree murder, among other charges.
"The defendant horrifically ended the life of someone who exemplified bravery, compassion and caring," said Clark in a statement. "We will seek justice for her, her family, and her extended family of the Fire Department's Emergency Medical Services."
Toxicology tests on Gonzalez after the incident were positive for PCP and marijuana.
The 25-year-old Gonzalez has a lengthy police record, including 31 prior arrests for criminal mischief, assault, marijuana sale and possession, turnstile jumping and public lewdness.
Most recently, he was arrested on Feb. 25 for allegedly resisting arrest and kicking out a window in a police van. Prior to that, he was arrested last June for assault and harassment, and reportedly released without bail in both cases.
Arroyo spent most of her career as an EMT at EMS Station 26 in the Bronx.
Gonzalez is due back in court on Aug. 25.
