A man with a history of schizophrenia was charged for the fatal stabbing of hero EMT Alison Russo-Elling after knocking her off her feet and using a steak knife to murder her on Thursday.
Peter Zisopoulos, 34, was charged with the ‘barbaric and completely unprovoked,’ stabbing death of Russo-Elling, 61, a nearly 25-year veteran of the New York Fire Department.
Zisopoulos was charged with murder and possession of a weapon for the attack that took place Thursday afternoon in broad daylight on a street in Astoria, Queens.
This is reportedly his first arrest. He had an interaction with the police in 2018, when he was accused of issuing threats to Asians.
The incident resulted in his hospitalization, but an arrest was never made.
He was arrested Thursday outside an apartment on 20th Ave. and 41st St. in Queens. The three-story apartment building is known to also house New York’s only swingers club.
Zisopoulos initially locked himself in his apartment, but surrendered to law enforcement about an hour later.
Peter Zisopoulus, 34, is perp walked Friday after killing an on-duty EMT on Thursday
Both his hands and feet were handcuffed as he was led by two law enforcement agents after being charged
ZIsopoulos reportedly locked himself in his apartment for an hour Thursday before surrendering to officers in the hours after he mercilessly stabbed Alison Russo-Elling to death
Peter Zisopoulos, 34, was charged with the ‘barbaric and completely unprovoked,’ stabbing death of Russo-Elling, an EMT
Zisopoulos was charged with murder and weapon possession for the attack that took place Thursday afternoon in broad daylight on a street in Astoria, Queens.
Emergency Medical Service Lieutenant and World Trade Center first responder, Alison Russo-Elling (pictured), 61, died after being stabbed while on duty in Queens
GRAPHIC WARNING: Zisopoulos is seen on surveillance camera stabbing Russo-Elling on Thursday afternoon in Queens
Russo-Elling’s body was escorted to the Medical Examiner’s office from Mt. Sinai Hospital Queens in presence of other NYC first-responders
Russo-Elling was on her way to get food when Zisopoulous allegedly approached her and stabbed her in what authorities said was a random and completely unprovoked attack
EMT’s and NYFD gather at the station house to watch the Purple and Black Bunting for Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, where she worked in Astoria, Queens on Sept. 30th, 2022
Members of NYC’s emergency services salute Lt. Alison Russo-Elling, who was senselessly murdered this week
EMT’s and NYFD gather at the station house to mourn Alison Russo-Elling, who was killed Thursday
Russo-Elling was on her way to get food when Zisopoulous allegedly approached her and stabbed her in what authorities said was a random and completely unprovoked attack.
‘At this point in the investigation there doesn’t appear to have been any prior contact between them,’ said a member of the FDNY. ‘He just walked toward her, sped up and then stabbed her to death.’
Dailymail.com understands that when a witness to the brutal and senseless attack attempted to intervene, the lunatic allegedly yelled back, ‘F–k you, f–k you!!’ before attempting to charge the witness, who rode his scooter to safety.
According to the witness, the weapon may have been a steak knife.
The victim was left splayed on the corner with a deep, lethal stab wound to her chest, as well as approximately 18 smaller stab wounds to the upper and lower chest.
Emergency doctors at Mount Sinai Astoria unsuccessfully attempted to treat the victim with a breathing tube, bi-lateral chest tubes and medication to restart her heart.
Russo-Elling was a mother, grandmother and also worked with the volunteer ambulance corps in Huntington, Long Island, where she lived.
She joined the FDNY as an EMT in 1998 and became a lieutenant in 2016. She worked out of Station 49 in Astoria, Queens at the time of her passing.
She was a first responder to the September 11, 2001 attacks and was credited multiple times for her ‘bravery and her life-saving work,’ said Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh.
‘She was absolutely beloved on this job,’ she added.
A colleague told reporters that she was just months away from retirement, according to the New York Post.
In an official statement from the New York City Fire Department, Russo-Elling’s death has been used as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by emergency services workers.
‘The death of Alison Russo is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by each and every member of the FDNY and uniformed services,’ the statement read.
‘Her senseless killing brings sorrow to every member of the FDNY. We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Department with bowed heads, and we will forever be here to support our FDNY family in this unspeakably difficult time.
‘We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Alison’s family, loved ones, and colleagues.’
New York City Mayor Eric Adams gave his condolences at a press conference at Mount Sinai Hospital to the city of New York, Russo-Elling’s family, friends and colleagues.
‘We lost one of our heroes she provided a service for this city for over 24 years,’ he said.
‘Her assailant has been apprehended and will be held accountable for his actions.
‘She was on duty at the time she was brought here to Mount Sinai Hospital where she passed away due to her injuries.’
Law enforcement quickly established a perimeter around the scene of the murder
Police remained on the scene of 20th Avenue near 41st Street most of Thursday afternoon
Members of the FDNY mourned the loss of a longtime colleague who was often lauded for her heroic work on the job
Russo-Elling’s picture was released by colleagues on Thursday evening by the New York City Fire Department detailing her long career as a front line worker
Tributes from colleagues were seen across Facebook to remember the ‘courageous’ EMS member
The tragic incident comes as crime in the Big Apple is up over 33 percent from last year.
Driving the increase is a more than 37 percent increase in the number of robberies, and a 32.4 percent increase in burglaries.
Felony assaults are also up 16.6 percent over last year, while grand larcenies are up a whopping 43 percent.
But the mayor had fled the crumbling city over the weekend to visit hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico, which he refers to as New York’s ‘sixth borough.’
