Firefighters Honored For Catching Suspected Mugger In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Some of New York City's bravest became crime fighters in the Bronx.
Three firefighters from Engine 90 jumped into action Sunday night to help a 15-year-old girl who flagged them down after a suspected mugger snatched her gold chain and knocked her to the ground near Holland Avenue and Pelham Parkway.
1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reports
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Firefighters Ronny Fuentes, John Hessler and Chris Magnata were responding to a carbon monoxide incident nearby when they got the call about the mugging.
The trio didn't hesitate to chase the suspect and grab him on a nearby street.
"He put his hands in his pockets right away, so we just held his hands there cause we weren't sure if he had a knife or a gun," Fuentes told 1010 WINS.
Fuentes and Hessler pinned the suspect to a fence and held him there until police came.
"It was an unusual thing for us to do but I guess we were just in the right place at the right time," Fuentes said. "It's something we don't usually have to worry about but at the time we were just reacting."
City Councilman James Vacca presented the firefighters with a certificate of appreciation on Monday.
Vacca said the men went " above and beyond the call of duty."
"We're just happy the guy was caught and happy to help out," Fuentes said.
