Speedy firefighter aids stab victim

As Gomes, 40, walked out of Muzzy Day Square Florist on Chelsea Street about 3 p.m. on May 8, holding bunches of Mother’s Day flowers for his wife and mother in his right hand and the family dog in his left, he saw a man approach a couple walking down the road. Suddenly there was a scream, and the second man was on the ground, clutching his abdomen and bleeding with a knife wound as the assailant fled.

“The woman started screaming bloody murder, and the other guy’s just walking away like nothing happened,’’ Gomes said.

Gomes approached the victim, identified himself as a firefighter, and began to put pressure on the inch-and-a-half gash in his stomach.

He pulled a Fire Department call box for help.

He also tied his dog’s leash to the fire box pole and put the flowers down for later.

“I was trying to talk to him, asking him basic questions, and making sure he didn’t go into shock,’’ Gomes said.

A few minutes later, a fire engine pulled up with help, including Lieutenant Keith Rowe.

“We get on scene, and there’s Danny Gomes working on the guy,’’ Rowe said.

Rowe called over the radio that there was a stabbing, and police and Boston EMS were dispatched.

Gomes later helped put the victim on a board and stretcher. The victim, a 30-year-old Everett man whose name was not released, was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital and was reported in stable condition.

Joe “Muzzy’’ Mazzarino, owner of the florist shop, saw the episode unfold. He said Gomes seemed to be using all of his arms and legs, holding down his dog, helping the victim, and pointing out the suspect, all at the same time.

“All of a sudden, I see [Gomes] outside on the sidewalk,’’ Mazzarino said. “He’s holding the puppy’s leash down with one leg and putting a compress on the guy. He was on the ball. He saw it happen, jumped in, helped the guy, and even helped police.’’

Gomes took note of the alleged assailant’s appearance, including a sweatshirt and a tan umbrella he was carrying. Police said they combed the area and found a man matching the description at the Wood Island MBTA station a few minutes later. He had an orange knife sticking out of his pants pocket.

Police said he got rid of the sweatshirt, but was still carrying the distinctive tan umbrella. Police detained him, and Gomes and other witnesses positively identified him.

Miguel Gomez, 37, of East Boston was arrested and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. Gomez was able to post $500 cash bail and was released. But he failed to appear May 10 at his arraignment in East Boston District Court and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Gomez is also known as Roberto Jose Arguenta, Roberto Jose Argueta, and Luis Canales.

Rowe said he was not surprised to see Gomes in action assisting the stabbing victim.

“I think it was a great move,’’ he said. “He had no protective gear on or anything, and the suspect could have turned around on him. You really couldn’t ask more from a guy.’’

Gomes has been a firefighter since 1997. The lifelong East Boston resident was assigned to Engine 56 on Ashley Street before joining the fire academy as an instructor four years ago.

On Moon Island, at the academy, Gomes is known as a worker, whether he’s teaching classes or lugging equipment.

“As soon as I took over down here, he was the first guy I called,’’ said Boston Fire Captain Ed Scigliano, the academy drillmaster. “He’s the hardest-working guy I ever met. He’s just a genuine guy that always tries to do the right thing.’’

At work the following Monday, Scigliano found out about the stabbing and asked Gomes about it.

“He said: ‘What? It was nothing. A guy stabbed another guy, and I just made sure the guy was OK,’ ’’ Scigliano said. “He’s like that. He’s just a guy who wouldn’t even think twice about it.’’

“He’s a good firefighter,’’ Rowe said. “That’s why he ended up training the new firefighters.’’

Gomes said he was just happy to be in the right place at the right time.

After assisting the stabbing victim, Gomes untied his dog, picked up the flowers, and got back in his car, where he found his cellphone ringing. It was his wife, at home with the three babies, who are just weeks old. Gomes was late.

“She said. ‘What’s taking you so long?’ ’’ he said. “She thought I was trying to get away for a little while, but, no, I have to be a good dad.’’

John M. Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com.