Conditions of two Detroit EMTs in attack upgraded

The conditions of two emergency medical technicians who, authorities say, were attacked Tuesday by a man wielding a razor-sharp object have improved.

Kelly Adams, 49, is in fair condition and Alfredo Rojas, 25, is in good condition, said Ruth Kremer, a spokeswoman for Detroit Receiving Hospital, on Wednesday.

The two were listed in serious condition Tuesday evening.

Rojas and Adams were responding at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday to a call at at 3430 Third St. about a woman with a minor ankle injury outside the Neighborhood Services Organization homeless shelter south of Midtown.

As they were treating the woman, a man who was with her became agitated about the medical assessment by the rescue workers, Interim Executive Fire Commissioner Eric Jones said Tuesday.

The man produced a sharp unknown weapon and stabbed and slashed Rojas several times in the hands and face, officials said.

He then stabbed and slashed Adams several times after she came to help Rojas.

Mayor Mike Duggan credited Adams’ actions for “saving the life” of her partner.

Officials said the two EMTs rushed themselves to Detroit Receiving Hospital with “very serious injuries” after the attack. Both suffered deep lacerations.

Late Tuesday, police took into custody a man suspected of attacking Adams and Rojas. He was found in the Whitcomb and Fenkell area, officials said.

And the woman, who Adams and Rojas were called to help initially, also was arrested. She fled with the man after the attack, police said. Their relationship was unclear.

A GoFundMe page set up for Adams and Rojas had raised $980 as of Wednesday morning.

The page also said Adams has worked for the Detroit Fire Department for 12 years and Rojas has worked for the department for two years.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

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