Two Firefighters, Paramedic Stabbed at Mental Health Call in Champaign, IL

Two firefighters and a paramedic were injured Thursday after being stabbed while on the scene of a mental health call Thursday night.

Champaign firefighters and an Arrow Ambulance crew were called to Buena Vista Drive and Neil Street around 9:40 p.m. for a man suffering from mental health-related experiences.

Ten minutes later, a call for help came over the radio that indicated crews were being stabbed, according to WCIA.com.

When police arrived, they found an Arrow Ambulance crew restraining Trevor Lewis and took the man into custody.

Three responders sustained multiple injuries and were treated by their colleagues before being transported to the hospital.

“In this case, as in many others, the heroic actions of our firefighters, paramedics, and police officers prevented a more serious outcome,” said Interim Fire Chief Tyler Funk. “The Champaign Fire Department extends its heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to Lieutenant Courtney Moravek and Firefighter Robert (Bobby) Poynton.”

Mayor Deborah Feinen lauded the “swift and professional actions” of all those who responded to provide treatment to the injured responders and taking the man into custody.

“The safety and well-being of every patient remains our highest priority, including, at times, our own team members," Arrow Ambulance said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our frontline colleagues, who consistently rise to meet challenging situations. We’re relieved to share that the Arrow Ambulance team member injured in last night’s incident is recovering well. We’re proud of our relationship with organizations like the Champaign Fire Department, who share our commitment to the health and safety of our communities.

One of the firefighters and the paramedic from Arrow Ambulance were released from the hospital Friday, Mayor Deborah Feinen announced Friday. The firefighter who remains hospitalized is in stable condition, the television station reported.

“My prayers are with those who were injured, their families, and our entire Champaign Fire Department family who are supporting them,” Feinen said in a statement. “I want to thank all our heroic first responders who were involved in this call, including those who were injured while performing their duties, their fellow firefighters, Champaign Police and other law enforcement officers who responded, and our METCAD 9-1-1 telecommunicators.”

Lewis faces charges including: three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery and resisting arrest.