Paramedic Stabbed While Getting Coffee in Melbourne's North; Suspect Arrested

Paramedic Stabbed in Random Attack While Waiting for Coffee in Reservoir

A 20-year veteran paramedic was stabbed in the neck and face in a brazen daylight attack outside a cafe in Reservoir, Melbourne's north, on Thursday, April 30, 2026. A 32-year-old man was arrested hours later.

"The paramedic was standing outside a cafe on Broadway in Reservoir at approximately 11:00 AM when a man exited a small, red car and attacked him from behind."

According to police, the paramedic was stabbed in the neck and slashed in the face. The alleged offender then fled in the same vehicle.

A bystander intervened during the attack and was not injured.

The paramedic, a 20-year veteran of Ambulance Victoria, performed first aid on himself before calling for assistance via radio. He was transported to Royal Melbourne Hospital's emergency department and was reported to be in a stable condition.

Police arrested a 32-year-old man at a residence on Winter Crescent, Reservoir, shortly before 1:00 PM on the same day. The suspect is in custody and is expected to be interviewed by detectives.

Ambulance Victoria CEO Jordan Emery stated that the paramedic is in stable condition and that he has spoken with the paramedic's partner. Emery described the attack as random and unprovoked, noting that over 1,000 paramedics are assaulted annually in Victoria.

Victorian Ambulance Union Secretary Danny Hill confirmed that a bystander assisted the paramedic during the attack. Hill expressed gratitude for the bystander's actions and called for stricter penalties and legal improvements to protect emergency workers.

Since 2018, injuring an emergency worker in Victoria has been classified as a category 1 offence, carrying a mandatory minimum prison sentence of six months and a maximum penalty of five years.

A legal loophole was identified in February 2026 when a defendant avoided mandatory sentencing because the paramedic involved was not treating a patient at the time of the attack.

Authorities are requesting that anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage, or any information about the man or vehicle, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.