Man Slashes Firefighter With Butcher Knife In South Bay: Police

NATIONAL CITY, CA – A South Bay man was arrested today after allegedly stabbing a firefighter for unknown reasons while the victim was aiding the suspect's mother following a fall at their home.

The victim was helping treat the 63-year-old woman in front her house in the 1700 block of Euclid Avenue in National City about 1:45 p.m. when Jeremy Cox, 34, allegedly ran out of his house with a butcher knife in his hand and began swinging it toward the emergency personnel, according to police.

One firefighter suffered wounds to his upper body and head in the attack, NCPD Lt. Alejandro Hernandez said. Medics took him to a hospital for treatment of the non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect's sister also was hurt during the assault, Hernandez said. The nature of her injuries was unclear.

By the time police arrived, Cox and his mother had gone back inside the home. Officers first removed the woman, then directed Cox to exit unarmed. He complied and was arrested without further incident.

Cox was expected to be booked into county jail on suspicion of assault on an emergency-services worker. The motive for the alleged attack was unknown, according to Hernandez.

The suspect's mother was taken to a hospital for evaluation of injuries she had suffered in the fall, the lieutenant said.

• ALSO SEE: State Farm Refunding $13.3 Million To Overcharged Californians

--City News Service/Shutterstock image