A San Diego man will spend more than 20 years behind bars for the June 2015 stabbing attack on San Diego Fire-Rescue crews.
After the sentencing, one of his victims said he's forgiven his attacker and would even consider sharing a beer with him in the future.
Ryan Allen Jones was convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter for his attack on two SDFD paramedics who were helping a man at a downtown trolley station. He was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon and another count of battery related to an assault of MTS officers in the same incident.
On Friday, Jones was sentenced to 23 years, 8 months behind bars.
Jones attacked Ben Vernon and Alex Wallbrett with a hunting knife at a medical aid call at the Park and Market trolley station on June 24, 2015.
Body camera footage was entered into evidence showing Vernon backing away with his hands up and Jones stepping in to stab him repeatedly.
The defense had argued firefighters acted outside the scope of their duties and engaged Jones instead of waiting for San Diego Police to arrive to the scene.
At the hearing Friday, Jones apologized to Vernon and Wallbrett.
“I would like to deeply express my sorrow at the tragic circumstances that people were hurt,” Jones said.
Wallbrett was not in court because he was training other firefighters. Vernon was at the hearing and told NBC 7 he appreciated the apology.
“I accept the apology and absolutely forgiven,” said Vernon. “If in 24 years, I happen to run into him on the street I’d be happy to share a beer. I really hope that doesn’t happen but I hold no ill will toward him.”
Judge Jeffrey Fraser said there was no question Jones was trying to help a friend but his temper got the best of him.