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Mimbres Today
By the People, for the People
Mimbres man arrested after stabbing EMT
Assailant allegedly attacked EMT during transport to hospital
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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A 35-year-old Mimbres man was arrested after allegedly stabbing an EMT in the throat while being transported to the hospital. The EMT's partner was able to pull him from the ambulance and flee, before meeting up with another ambulance for assistance.
Why it matters
Attacks on emergency medical workers are a serious concern, as they put public safety at risk and can deter people from entering these critical professions. This incident highlights the dangers EMTs face and the need for improved safety protocols and training to protect them.
The details
According to authorities, the incident began when EMTs responded to a call in Mimbres about a man who believed he had consumed 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 was able to pull his partner out and flee, meeting up with another ambulance a few miles down the road. Deputies later apprehended Avena, who was found naked inside the locked ambulance.
- The incident occurred around 1:23 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
- Avena was scheduled to appear in Grant County Magistrate Court on Thursday afternoon, February 20, 2026.
The players
Kel J. Avena
A 35-year-old Mimbres resident who was arrested and charged with aggravated battery on a health care worker, aggravated assault upon a health care worker, and two counts of tampering with evidence.
Grant County Emergency Medical Services
The emergency medical service that responded to the initial call in Mimbres and transported the patient to the hospital.
Gila Regional Medical Center
The hospital where the injured EMT was initially taken for treatment before being transferred to another facility.
Daniel Reyes
A mine contractor who stopped to help the EMTs after they fled the ambulance.
Robert Whitaker
The CEO of Gila Regional Medical Center, who confirmed the hospital was briefly locked down as a precautionary measure.
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 improved safety protocols and training to protect these critical emergency workers.
