A Bronx man was arrested for killing an emergency medical technician after running her over with her own ambulance, according to the New York Police Department. He now faces murder and manslaughter charges.
Jose Gonzalez, 25, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and first-degree robbery in the death of Yadira Arroyo, a 14-year EMS veteran. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges during an appearance in the Bronx Supreme Court.
Prosecutors accused Gonzalez of riding on the back of Arroyo’s ambulance as it was heading to the Bronx in response to a call. Authorities said a passing driver flagged her down. When Arroyo, 44, and her partner exited the ambulance to investigate what was happening, Gonzalez allegedly jumped into the driver’s side of the vehicle.
He then put the ambulance in reverse and slammed it into Arroyo and her partner, who suffered minor injuries. Gonzalez then accelerated forward, dragging Arroyo into the middle of an intersection. The vehicle stopped after crashing into parked cars. Both EMTs were rushed to the hospital, where Arroyo later died.
Gonzalez has an extensive criminal record comprising 31 prior arrests and four misdemeanors. His attorney claimed he suffers from mental illness. He was placed at the hospital until his court appearance due to concerns about his physical and mental health. According to court documents, Gonzalez’s toxicology tests came out positive for PCP and marijuana.
While being taken to a car after leaving a police station, Gonzalez said, “I’m innocent. I didn’t do nothing” He is scheduled for another court appearance in August.
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