Click on Detroit
October 24, 2015
Two Detroit EMS workers were seriously injured Tuesday when they were attacked by a man with a box cutter near the Neighborhood Service Organization in the 3400 block of 3rd Street.
A woman near the NSO building reported a sprained ankle and the two EMS workers worked on her across the street. When the crew determined that the woman wouldn’t be transported in the rig, a man she was with became enraged and pulled out a weapon.
While the attacker stabbed and slashed EMT Alfredo Rojas, 25, EMT Kelly Adams, 49, came to his aid. The attacker then stabbed and slashed Adams, according to Interim Executive Fire Commissioner Eric Jones.
Rojas and Adams drove themselves to the hospital. Jones said they came “within inches of dying” due to their injuries.
“(They drove) to save their lives,” Jones said. “They decided that they needed to get to the hospital right away. The medics drove themselves and I’m glad they did. I’m glad they’re here.”
He said both workers will require surgery after suffering deep stab and slash wounds to the face and hands. They are currently in treatment together and are able to communicate. Hospital officials said both EMTs are expected to make a full recovery.
Adams is in good condition while Rojas remains in serious condition.
“Some very, very deep lacerations,” Jones said of the injuries.