Cop honored for catching ambulance carjacker

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - Had Daniel McDade not been stuck in traffic on March 16, several other people would likely be dead. The MTA police officer was taking a shortcut in the Soundview section of the Bronx when he witnessed a young man carjacking an FDNY ambulance. The thief ran over EMT Yadira Arroyo, dragging her down the street and killing her.

Officer McDade said his training kicked in. He pulled the suspect out of the ambulance and took him into custody.

An EMT for 14 years, Arroyo was the mother of five boys. While still mourning her tragic loss Monday, family, friends and colleagues took the time to honor Officer McDade's act of heroism.

"Because of you, who chose not to look the other way, that this case did not become a cold case file," said Ali Acevedo-Hernandez, Arroyo's aunt.

"The true honor and the true heroism goes to Yadi," McDade said. "I just happen to be here to be able to speak about it."

Police said the suspect, Jose Gonzalez, has been arrested more than 30 times and has a history of mental illness. Gonzalez had pled not guilty to a slew of charges, including murder. He is due back in court in August.