Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark moved to dismiss the sex abuse case against a man accused of groping an FDNY EMT after surveillance video revealed he had suffered a seizure, authorities announced Wednesday.
In the footage, Aaron Cervantes-Mejia, 52, is shown staggering into a crosswalk then crumpling to the ground at 7:06 a.m. Jan. 28 at the intersection of Commonwealth and Westchester avenues in the Bronx.
Passerbys waived over a female EMT who was across the street responding to a three-alarm blaze in Soundview.
“Mr. Cervantes-Mejia is seen lying on the ground in the crosswalk and grabs the EMT’s clothing in what appears to be the throes of a seizure,” according to a press release. “The EMT moved her hand away without any assistance while covered in protective gear from head to toe.”
The stricken man did not appear to have control over his hands, the Bronx DA’s office said.
Bronx DA Darcel Clark moved to dismiss the sex abuse case against a man accused of groping an FDNY EMT after surveillance video revealed he had suffered a seizure. Getty ImagesAfter the incident, Cervantes-Mejia was arrested and charged with forcible touching and sex abuse.
An investigation revealed that Cervantes-Mejia had a history of seizures “in which he grabbed at anything within reach,” according to the release.
“I will not tolerate assaults on first responders, who courageously serve our city, especially during this pandemic, and I will not prosecute anyone unless there is evidence to support charges,” Clark said in a statement.
The DA called Cervantes-Mejia the victim of “a false narrative.”
After Cervantes-Mejia’s arrest, police said that he had faked a heart attack, so he could grab the EMT’s chest and crotch.
The NYPD declined to comment. Oren Barzilay, president of FDNY EMS Local 2507, challenged the Bronx DA’s decision not to pursue charges.
“I believe the response from the Bronx District Attorney is out of line and irresponsible,” he said. “In my view, this video does not justify clearing him from assaulting our member.”
Additional reporting by Craig McCarthy






