April 11, 2026 BRONX, NY The flashing lights of a dozen ambulances turned a quiet Morris Heights block into a sea of red and white Thursday night—but the sirens weren't for a civilian. They were for the very people who answer the call when New York screams for help.
What began as a routine medical aid call at 1889 Sedgwick Ave. spiraled into a scene of "unacceptable" violence that has left the FDNY demanding justice and better protection for its "street doctors."
The Call That Turned Deadly
Around 10 p.m., two Emergency Medical Technicians arrived to assist a 22-year-old male reportedly in distress. Instead of a patient in need, they encountered a physical onslaught. Police say Jose Bencosme, a resident of the building, turned on the pair as they attempted to render aid.
The aftermath was harrowing:
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A 32-year-old EMT suffered a deep, bloody laceration to the head.
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A 20-year-old EMT sustained painful injuries to his face.
Both first responders were forced to call for emergency backup, leading to a massive "10-13" (officer/first responder in distress) response that flooded the avenue with backup units. Footage from the Citizen App captured the grim scale of the scene, showing a line of ambulances stretching down the block.
"Street Doctors" Under Siege
The suspect, Bencosme, was taken into custody and now faces two counts of felony assault. However, for the FDNY, an arrest isn't enough. In a scathing statement released following the attack, the department highlighted a growing, dangerous trend of violence against EMS members.
"EMS are frontline first responders who routinely put themselves in harm’s way... just like police officers and firefighters," the FDNY stated. "From pay parity to safe and fair working conditions... the City of New York must do right by the heroic EMS members who rush in to keep this city safe."
