Firefighter, EMT Hailed As Heroes After Capturing Woman Who Allegedly Robbed Man, 62
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Two of New York's Bravest are being credited for helping out New York's Finest.
FDNY Lt. Daniel Burgos and Paramedic Kevin Costello stopped a robbery in the Bronx Saturday, the FDNY said.
It happened at around 4:30 p.m. on West 230th and Broadway.
Philip Rivera, 62, uses a wheelchair, and a woman grabbed a bag from the handle of his chair, officials said.
Rivera struggled with the woman who grabbed his bag - she punched him several times during the incident, officials said.
"She did sock me in the face two times," Rivera told CBS2's Lisa Rozner. "She got two good shots in."
He was with his aide, Dolores, who says the suspect went after her purse too.
"The lady pushed my back," she said. "She pushed it and fought for me, my face down and down."
Burgos and Costello were in an ambulance nearby and saw the robbery take place. They rushed to Rivera and checked on him before chasing after the suspect.
They grabbed her at Exterior Street and Broadway and held her until police arrived. Rivera's happy she was caught, but says he's still shaken up.
"Nervous, scared, fragile, like you never know what's going to happen to you," he said.
Rivera says the assault won't get in the way of his daily routine, and he doesn't regret fighting back for his belongings.
Police sources tell CBS2 Shana Turner, 23, faces robbery charges.
