The Associated Press
NEW YORK — A New York City emergency medical technician accused of failing to help a dying pregnant woman has been arrested on shoplifting charges.
Police say Melissa Jackson was arrested Monday after trying to steal $50 worth of cosmetics from a Walmart in Westbury, on Long Island.
Jackson was charged with petit larceny and released.
Fire department officials say she’s suspended without pay for 30 days.
Jackson and another EMT were accused of failing to help the pregnant woman after she became sick at a restaurant in 2009. Prosecutors say the uniformed EMTs were waiting in line and didn’t provide any medical help. The woman and her premature baby died.
Jackson was charged with official misconduct. The other EMT later was shot dead outside a nightclub.
A defense lawyer has said the EMTs acted “to the best of their abilities.”