Jeff Goldman – nj.com
A 25-year-old man has been charged with attacking two Paterson firefighters who were providing aid to him when he had trouble breathing.
Darian Jackson is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, Paterson police said Wednesday.
Two firefighters serving as EMTs responded to a second-floor apartment on the 100 block of 16th Avenue at 4:30 a.m. Sunday to assist a man who was having breathing difficulties.
After the firefighters placed the man on a gurney and removed him from the building, he punched one firefighter repeatedly and kneed the other before running away, officials said.
Jackson, of Paterson, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation.
Both firefighters were treated for minor injuries at an area hospital and have since been released.
“Any attack on a public official performing their duty is unacceptable,” Officer in Charge Patrick Murray said in a statement. “These two firefighters took an oath to help anyone in need, which is exactly what they did for this suspect before they were violently attacked and assaulted.”
Attorney information for Jackson wasn’t immediately available.
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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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