EMT Stabbed Multiple Times In Ambulance; Patient Arrested

BOSTON (CBS) – Two EMTs were attacked by a patient as their ambulance headed toward Mass General Hospital Wednesday afternoon. It happened around 4 p.m. on New Chardon Street near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse.

A female EMT in the back of the ambulance was stabbed multiple times and suffered serious wounds.

Boston EMS Chief James Hooley says the EMTs were transporting a psychiatric patient from East Boston to MGH when she allegedly became unruly and attacked.

"She did produce a weapon and she attacked one of our EMTs in the back," Hooley said. "A 14-year veteran of the department."

The suspect has been identified as 31-year-old Julie Tejeda. She allegedly stabbed the EMT several times then tried to keep her partner away after he pulled the ambulance over to help.

"The patient/suspect reportedly either had some sort of (pepper spray) or Mace on her person and proceeded to spray her partner," Hooley said.

A Boston Police officer arrived at the scene and applied a tourniquet to the EMT's leg. She was rushed to MGH and is recovering after surgery. The second EMT, a 10-year veteran, was treated and released.

"These EMTs did not deserve this," Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said. "Every day they go out and they help people, they save lives, they did not deserve to be attacked."

Tejeda will be charged with assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a public employee. She is expected to be arraigned Thursday morning.