Accused Killer of FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo Deemed Fit for Trial

FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo. -Facebook photo

By Dan Gesslein

Bronx Voice

September 21, 2022

BRONX - The man accused of fatally running over Bronx EMT Yadira Arroyo has been deemed fit to stand trial. The Bronx DA hailed the decision and said her office is moving forward with the prosecution. 

Back in May, Jose Gonzalez was deemed unfit for trial. However, health professionals have given prosecutors the green light.

“When Jose Gonzalez was deemed unfit for trial, we said this was by no means the end of this prosecution,” said Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark. “Now, approximately four months later, health professionals at Mid-Hudson Forensic Psychiatric Center have determined him to be no longer an incapacitated person.

“Jose Gonzalez is due to appear in Bronx Supreme Court on September 29, 2022. He faces charges of first and second-degree Murder, first degree Manslaughter, Robbery, Vehicular Manslaughter and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence, for allegedly running over Yadira Arroyo, an FDNY Emergency Medical Technician, with her ambulance on March 16, 2017.

Gonzalez has been charged in Arroyo’s death. Back in 2017, Gonzalez hopped on the back bumper of Arroyo’s ambulance. Officials say Gonzalez was high on PCP at the time. 

When Arroyo stopped and got out of the ambulance to chase the suspect off, Gonzalez allegedly jumped into the vehicle and tried to drive off. Prosecutors said Gonzalez ran over Arroyo twice and dragged her into the intersection White Plains Road. All the while Arroyo’s partner screamed for him to stop to try to save her. 

“We thank (Arroyo’s) family and FDNY colleagues for their patience and support, as we continue to obtain justice for Yadi,” Clark said.