LYNN — A stabbing victim’s decision to seek help at the Western Avenue Fire Station Friday night may have saved his life.
Police responded to the Lynn Fire Department’s station on Western Avenue after a reported assault at 66 Harwood St. There had allegedly been a fight between the victim, a 30-year-old Lynn man, and the suspect, Rick McBride, who lives at the same address, Lynn Police Lt. Michael Kmiec said.
During the fight, McBride, 26, allegedly stabbed the victim in his left side with a knife. He was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after police responded to his residence and found him at home, Kmiec said.
The victim’s friend, a 25-year-old woman, was supposed to drive him to the hospital but she instead headed to the fire station, Kmiec said. The station is about a quarter mile from where the altercation took place, according to Lynn District Fire Chief Stephen Archer.
Archer said the victim came up to the door of the fire station and rang the doorbell. He was able to get the attention of firefighters to let them see that he was suffering from serious bleeding.
Firefighters rendered first aid to the victim and called for Lynn Fire Medic 1 and Atlantic Ambulance, which took the man to Massachusetts General Hospital. His injuries aren’t considered life-threatening, Archer said
“It was fortunate that the victim thought enough to stop and ask for assistance because with the seriousness of the bleeding, he really would have been in jeopardy if he tried to make it on his own to the hospital without getting some care (first),” Archer said. “Medic 1 and the crew at Western Avenue were able to render first aid to get this guy safely to the hospital.”
Kmiec said the victim and McBride knew each other and their altercation may have involved a woman they had both dated. He said the victim was not forthcoming with information.
McBride pleaded not guilty in Lynn District Court on Monday and was released after posting $300 bail. Prosecutors requested $5,000 bail, but the judge ordered the lower amount. He was also ordered to stay away and have no contact with the victim. His pre-trial date is set for Dec. 8, according to Carrie Kimball-Monahan, spokeswoman for the Essex County District Attorney’s office.
