- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Mimbres Today
By the People, for the People
Mimbres Man Charged After Stabbing EMT
Assailant allegedly attacked EMT during transport to hospital
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 35-year-old Mimbres man has been charged with aggravated battery and assault on a health care worker after allegedly stabbing an EMT in the throat while being transported to the hospital. The incident forced the EMT's partner to rescue him from the ambulance and flee the scene.
Why it matters
Attacks on emergency medical workers are a serious concern, as they put public safety at risk and can deter people from pursuing these vital professions. This incident highlights the dangers EMTs face and the need for stronger protections and training to keep them safe.
The details
According to authorities, the incident began when EMTs responded to a call in Mimbres about a man who had consumed what he believed was orange juice laced with narcotics. During transport to the hospital, the patient, identified as Kel J. Avena, allegedly attacked the EMT attending to him in the back of the ambulance, stabbing him in the neck. The EMT driving the ambulance pulled over, rescued his partner, and they fled the scene. Avena was later apprehended by deputies after a standoff.
- The incident occurred around 1:23 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2026.
- Avena was scheduled to appear in Grant County Magistrate Court on Thursday, February 22, 2026.
The players
Kel J. Avena
A 35-year-old Mimbres resident who has been charged with aggravated battery and assault on a health care worker for allegedly stabbing an EMT during transport to the hospital.
Grant County Emergency Medical Services
The emergency medical service that responded to the initial call in Mimbres and was transporting the patient to the hospital when the attack occurred.
Gila Regional Medical Center
The hospital where the injured EMT was initially taken for treatment before being transferred to another facility.
Grant County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency that apprehended Avena after the incident and filed charges against him.
Daniel Reyes
A contractor with the Chino Mine who stopped to help the EMTs after they fled the ambulance.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kel J. Avena out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the dangers EMTs face on the job and the need for stronger protections and training to keep these vital emergency workers safe while serving their communities.
