Town of Salina, New York–The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office has charged a Syracuse man Monday morning in connection with assaulting a Mattydale Fire Department Emergency Medical Technician.
This morning at approximately 7:09 A.M., deputies responded to the parking lot of the Mattydale Fire Department located at 172 East Molloy Road in the Town of Salina for an assault in progress. 911 dispatchers received an emergency distress call from an EMT’s portable radio and immediately dispatched deputies. Upon arrival, deputies located the injured EMT and the suspect, who was still on scene. Deputies interviewed witnesses who advised that the suspect was observed sitting in a damaged Mazda 6 vehicle when the EMT approached the suspect to check on his wellbeing. The suspect, who appeared under the influence began to physically assault and choke the EMT.
A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect had just committed a burglary to Zonen Ltd., a Tobacco shop located at 6697 Old Collamer Road in East Syracuse. The suspect utilized his vehicle to breach the doors to the business to steal numerous nitrous oxide cartridges, also known as “whippits” which he later inhaled.
The suspect, who was identified as Andrew Kinel (30) of Syracuse, was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital for a medical evaluation. The 22 year old EMT, who sustained a neck injury along with lacerations, was also transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Detectives charged Kinel with assault in the 2nd degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, burglary in the 3rd degree, criminal mischief in the 2nd degree and petit larceny. Kinel is currently being held in the Justice Center and is expected to be arraigned later this afternoon.
