Man accused of stabbing EMT in ambulance indicted
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The man accused of stabbing an EMT inside of an ambulance on the Upper West Side last month was indicted on attempted murder charges Monday.
Rudy Garcia, 48, was charged with attempted murder and assault.
"First responders work on the frontlines every day to serve the City of New York. As alleged, Rudy Garcia viciously attacked an EMT who was doing her job and coming to his aid," said District Attorney Alvin Bragg. "I'm grateful for the swift action of other members of the Mount Sinai Health System and the NYPD. My thoughts are with the victim as she continues to recover and heal."
During his arraignment, prosecutors said Garcia told police he thought he'd been kidnapped.
He also said he used a large kitchen knife which was hidden in his boot.
EMT Julia Fatum, 25, was released from the hospital a week after the attack, but her long road to recovery continues.
According to the FDNY, there have been 121 attacks on EMTs so far this year as of last month.
EMTs and paramedics are demanding the city add more safety measures like protective gear and help from the NYPD when they are in a bind.
"Our members are used as practice punching bags and we need more police presence with us on a lot of these calls," said Oren Barzilay, president of EMS Local 2507, which represents 4,100 FDNY EMTs.
ALSO READ | Exclusive NYPD ride along exposes illicit sex trade in NYC
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
