Missouri – A tragic and shocking incident has left the state in mourning after a 39-year-old woman, identified as S. Bossell, allegedly stabbed and killed a firefighter-paramedic, G. Hoffman, while he was trying to provide her with medical help during a mental health crisis.
Bossell is now facing first-degree murder, armed criminal action, third-degree assault, and resisting arrest charges.
Paramedic Fatally Stabbed While Offering First Aid
The incident happened early on Sunday along Missouri 152 Highway, where police were conducting a welfare check on Bossell, who was walking alone on the road and appeared to have a cut on her finger.
She initially refused treatment, but later agreed to go in an ambulance to the hospital, escorted by a police vehicle.
While inside the ambulance, a terrifying moment unfolded. As the ambulance was moving, the driver heard paramedic G. Hoffman calling for help. The vehicle stopped, and it was discovered that Bossell had armed herself with a knife.
A struggle followed, and Hoffman was stabbed in the chest. Despite attempts to save him, he sadly died later at the hospital.
Officer Intervenes, Suspect Bites and Fights Back
The police officer who had been escorting the ambulance saw the incident and immediately intervened. During the chaos, Bossell tried to take control of the ambulance and even bit the officer while resisting arrest.
She was eventually restrained, and police recovered the weapon, a 4-inch folding knife, from the ambulance.
A History of Violent Behaviour Ignored?
Just days before the fatal attack, Bossell had been arrested for biting a police officer during another incident where she was reportedly trying to break into vehicles. She had also been released on bond shortly after that event.
Her history includes other violent altercations and traffic offenses, sparking serious questions about why she was released without proper evaluation or restrictions.
After her latest arrest, her bond was set at $1 million.
Community and Legal Reactions
The incident has led to public outrage, with many questioning the system’s failure to protect emergency responders from individuals with recent violent behavior.
Prosecutor Z. Thompson confirmed that the system, at the time, found no legal grounds to hold Bossell without bond, despite her troubling past.
This tragedy has also started new conversations about the safety of first responders, especially when dealing with mentally unstable individuals.