Contact: Colleen Roche or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2958
Today, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani honored two Fire Department Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) who foiled an attempted purse snatching early Sunday morning in the Astoria section of Queens. The Mayor presented Emergency Medical Technicians William Zaccari and Steven Anderson with Certificates of Recognition at the City Hall ceremony attended by Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen and families and friends of the two heroes.
"I join with all New Yorkers in commending both of you for an act of bravery in assisting this crime victim," said the Mayor. "Although it is routine for you to respond to people in need, your recent action in apprehending two purse snatchers is indicative of your commitment to assisting fellow New Yorkers."
At approximately 2:30 a.m. on May 25th, Anderson, 31, and his partner Zaccari, 33, heard a woman's screams as they were returning to their ambulance after an unfounded call on Skillman Avenue in Queens. The pair noticed a woman fighting with two men over what appeared to be a pocketbook. They quickly went into action. After loading their equipment in the ambulance, the pair radioed for police and took chase after the now fleeing suspects.
Following a brief pursuit, the team abandoned their vehicle and continued the chase on foot down 52nd Street towards Queens Boulevard, where the suspects dropped out of sight. Bystanders pointed out the two males to the EMTs. They then spotted the suspects and were able to apprehend and subdue them until police arrived moments later. Both suspects, Javier Ortiz, 17, and Luis Ortiz, 27, were identified by the victim, Isaya Tonuch, and then arrested.
Steven Anderson, a seven-year EMS veteran, is married and lives in Patchogue. William Zaccari, a 4-year veteran and father of one, is also married and lives in College Point. Both are assigned to Battalion 49/Station 1 in Astoria. Although this is an unusual event, EMT Zaccari is no stranger to "hot pursuit." He was recently recognized for apprehending another purse snatcher in March 1996.