CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Three first responders were seriously hurt while trying to help someone experiencing a mental health crisis, Champaign police said.
Lt. Courtney Moravek and firefighter Robert Poynton were stabbed while responding to a call in Champaign Thursday.
Two Champaign firefighters and an EMT were stabbed after being called to Neil Street and Buena Vista Drive Thursday. They responded at 9:40 p.m. after someone called 911 and said they were experiencing mental health concerns.
Champaign Fire and Arrow Ambulance came to transport the person to the hospital, but a short time later, they called for help, saying they were being attacked and stabbed.
Champaign police rushed to the scene, where they found two firefighters and an EMT with serious injuries from a stabbing. A responding medical unit was restraining the man accused of stabbing them, 23-year-old Trevor Lewis of Champaign.
Lewis had a cut on his hand and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was detained and charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and one count of resisting arrest.
The firefighters remain hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The EMT was treated and released.
Champaign Fire Interim Chief Tyler Funk identified the firefighters as Lt. Courtney Moravek and firefighter Robert Poynton.
