BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN DEATH OF FDNY EMT YADIRA ARROYO

Defendant Ran Over Victim With Her Own Ambulance

   Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for first-degree Murder and other crimes for killing FDNY Emergency Medical Technician Yadira Arroyo by running her over as he fled with her ambulance. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant horrifically ended the life of someone who exemplified bravery, compassion and caring. Yadira Arroyo died a hero on the streets of the Bronx. We will seek justice for her, her family, and her extended family of the Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services.” 

  District Attorney Clark said that Jose Gonzalez, 25, of Creston Avenue, was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. He is due back in court on August 25, 2017. 

  Gonzalez was indicted on three counts of first-degree Murder, four counts of second degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of second-degree Robbery, second-degree Assault, second-degree Vehicular Manslaughter and three counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle while Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to life in prison. 

  According to the investigation, on the evening of March 16, 2017, Gonzalez, who was riding on the back of Arroyo’s ambulance, jumped off and seized a backpack from a young man in the area of Watson Avenue and White Plains Road. The robbery victim, seeking help, flagged down Arroyo’s passing ambulance. Arroyo exited the vehicle and briefly spoke with Gonzalez.

  He jumped into the driver’s seat of the ambulance and, as Arroyo stood at the door trying to stop him from stealing the vehicle, Gonzalez geared the ambulance in reverse, striking Arroyo. He proceeded to drive the ambulance forward, again hitting Arroyo, causing her death. 

   Toxicology tests on Gonzalez were positive for PCP and Marijuana.

  District Attorney Clark thanked MTA Police Officer Daniel McDade, who tackled the defendant after the incident and detained him with the help of several Bronx citizens; the 43rd Precinct, specifically Detective Robert Rentas, and Detective Christopher Skulsky from Bronx Homicide. 

  An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.