CHICAGO — Two Chicago Fire Department paramedics were attacked and robbed overnight but managed to overpower the robber.
The paramedics were called to a report of a person having trouble breathing on Dec. 23, but when they arrived, the man refused medical treatment, CBS Chicago reported.
“While they were there, someone attempted to rob them and insinuated they had a weapon,” Chicago Firefighters Union President Patrick Cleary said. “They overpowered that person, and found out he didn’t have a weapon, held him down, called for a 10-1 and police arrived and arrested him.”
Police said the robber implied he had a gun, but the unarmed medics defended themselves using only their hands, CBS Chicago reported.
The robber stole the paramedics’ money and cellphone, which were recovered after his arrest. Police reported he also assaulted two officers during his arrest.
The paramedics were treated for minor injuries at Holy Cross Hospital and later released.