Fire Cpt. injured & ambulance damaged in brick attack during emergency call

SAN JACINTO – A fire captain was injured and an ambulance sustained damage when two men attacked emergency first responders who were attempting to provide medical attention to a family member of the two attackers, according to a sheriff official. The patient needed to be transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment for an unspecified medical condition May 1, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Craig McDonald explained in a press release.

At 9:54 a.m., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s San Jacinto Police Station were notified by sheriff’s dispatch that Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire and American Medical Response personnel had come under attack and were asking for priority emergency assistance in the 400 block of South Estudillo Avenue, in San Jacinto.

Several deputies and a supervisor rushed to the area to assist the firefighters and paramedics who were still being violently attacked by the two men. The alleged suspects were later identified as Bobby Henry Jr, 56, of San Jacinto and Tyrone Henry, 44, of Los Angeles. Both men were arrested and later booked for multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.

The first responding deputy arrived at the location within one minute of the initially dispatched call. The deputy notified dispatchers the assault was still in progress and he requested additional deputies and a sheriff’s helicopter respond to the neighborhood to assist in controlling the violent altercation.

After Bobby and Tyrone Henry were detained, deputies conducted an investigation into the potentially deadly encounter. During their investigation, deputies learned from Cal Fire and AMR personnel that they were treating a patient at the location and preparing to transport the unidentified victim to a hospital when a family member of the patient, Bobby Henry Jr., physically attacked the on-scene fire captain.

Firefighters and paramedics tried to continue providing medical treatment to the patient while simultaneously trying to fend off Bobby Henry Jr.’s attack. While still dealing with Bobby, his brother, Tyrone Henry, rushed out from inside the residence and threatened to shoot and kill emergency personnel at the location.

“Bobby Henry then proceeded to throw bricks at the Cal Fire and AMR personnel, forcing them to leave the patient and retreat to a position of safety,” McDonald explained.

Emergency personnel were reportedly forced away from the patient – who was already on an ambulance gurney in the yard of the residence – as Bobby Henry continued throwing bricks at them. With Bobby hurling a steady stream of bricks at the first responders, the firefighters and paramedics took shelter behind the safety of an ambulance and a nearby fire engine. The out of control man allegedly continued pelting the ambulance with bricks.

During the initial attack and ensuing brick assault, a fire captain was injured and an AMR ambulance sustained damage from the hurled bricks.

Based on their investigation, deputies arrested Bobby Henry Jr. for suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, battery on a firefighter and obstructing emergency medical personnel during the performance of their duties.

Deputies also arrested Tyrone Henry for suspicion of making criminal threats and obstructing emergency medical personnel in the performance of their duties.

Both alleged suspects were booked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. The patient the emergency first responders were originally at the residence to treat was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

A jail records search showed Tyrone Henry was being held in lieu of $20,000 bail and Bobby Henry Jr. was being held in lieu of $25,000 bail. Both brothers are scheduled to be arraigned at an unspecified court May 4.

The fire captain’s injuries were described as minor and no further information was provided regarding his injuries or medical condition.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Marshall with San Jacinto Police Department at (951) 654-2702. Callers can refer to incident file number I161220030 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

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