Wednesday, July 4, 2012

** California ambulance shooter to stand trial in November

** Texas city considers cutting skill levels of EMS crews as cost saving measure

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A California man who shot at an ambulance as it traveled along a San Diego freeway will go to trial November 28. That is the word from 10News (June 28) which said Lancaster resident Enrique Ayon, 25, pleaded not guilty Thursday to a slew of charges. Amongst the most serious is that of attempted murder when he wounded another motorist. In addition, Ayon faces tags for shooting at an occupied vehicle, discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, vandalism, and hit-and-run. He has also been charged with battery for assaulting two sheriff’s deputies. According to the news station, Ayon began his spree last October 3 after busting through a security gate at the US-Mexico border. During the course of his odyssey, Ayon allegedly fired two shots at an EMS rig near Del Mar on Interstate 5. The motive for the shootings remains unclear.

** In an effort to save money, Austin, Texas bean counters are considering downgrading the skill levels of EMS crews. That is the word from KVUE News (July 2) which said members of the city’s Public Safety Commission met on the matter Monday. According to the news service, proposed changes include altering dual paramedic teams to one paramedic and one EMT. Interestingly, although looking to cut the EMS budget, the same body gave the thumbs up to pursue the purchase of a new police helicopter.