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Body cam: Stabbing of 2 San Diego firefighters

Several firefighters rushed to the aid of the wounded firefighters while a guard yells out, “Cover now! Cover now!”

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SAN DIEGO — Body camera video shows two San Diego Fire-Rescue firefighters being stabbed by a bystander during a June 24 call for medical assistance at a public transit station.

At a preliminary court hearing for Ryan Allen Jones, a 10-second video clip from a body camera worn by a transit police officer showed the moments when Jones lunged at and stabbed firefighters Benjamin Vernon, 37, and Alex Wallbrett, 32, reported NBC San Diego.

A transit system security guard, Angel Garcia, said he was called to assist an intoxicated man and Jones was at the scene trying to calm that man.

Garcia said he asked Jones to back away from the man so guards could call in medical help. After several requests, Jones allegedly refused to step back.

Garcia said his partner then called for medical assistance and firefighters arrived. Firefighters also asked Jones to step back, but again, he refused to listen.

A fire captain and Garcia’s partner pushed Jones back, and Jones tripped and fell over a bench. When he got up, Jones began throwing punches and then lunged towards Vernon and Wallbrett, who were standing nearby.

Jones pulled out a knife and charged at Vernon. Wallbrett rushed to his partner’s aid and was also stabbed.

Vernon was stabbed twice and suffered a collapsed lung. Wallbrett also sustained stab wounds. Both survived, were hospitalized and say they look forward to returning to work.

In the video other firefighters and security guards rush to assist the firefighters while a guard yells out, “Cover now! Cover now! Cover now!”

Vernon and Wallbrett and were expected to testify at the preliminary hearing. Jones faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

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