NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A man accused of assaulting two firefighters responding to a medical emergency at a Queens housing development was charged, prosecutors said Wednesday.
According to officials, 37-year-old Clarence Smith attacked the firefighters as were assisting someone at NYCHA's Queens Bridge North Houses located on 10th Street in Long Island City on Tuesday.
Prosecutors claim Smith yelled, "get out of the way!" at one firefighter before he grabbed her, pushed her against a wall several times, and took a swing at her.
"Her back was to him. She didn't even know what was coming," United Firefighters Association president Andrew Ansbro said. "From what I was also told, he came out of nowhere."
Smith then shoved a second firefighter who attempted to intervene against a wall and spit in his face, according to prosecutors.
Both firefighters were taken to an area hospital to be treated.
It is unclear if there is a connection between Smith's and the patient.
Smith surrendered himself to officials later that day.
The first injured firefighter hasn't returned to work since the attack and is still getting tested to determine the extent of her injuries, Ansbro said.
"On every call, firefighters and EMTs put themselves in danger to protect and treat others. Their safety is a priority to me and this office," Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said Wednesday.
Smith was charged with felony assault and harassment and was released without bail during his Tuesday night arraignment.
"All of these incidents have been totally unprovoked and show a total lack of respect for what we do," Ansbro said. "It could be mental illness. It just goes to show you, it's not just a burning building. Every time we go out the door we're facing dangers."
He also added that Smith's release without bail "just sends the message to criminals and people that behave badly that there are no consequences."
