Trending Topics

Police: Homeowner assaults first responders at scene of fire

The man allegedly punched a firefighter at the scene and an EMS provider en route to the hospital

The Spokesman-Review

SPOKANE, Wash. — A house fire on Winston Drive in north Spokane ended in multiple injuries that sent two firefighters, a first responder and one man to the hospital, according to Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer.

Around 7:30 p.m., firefighters arrived to find a male occupant of the home outside who had suffered smoke inhalation, Schaeffer said.

When a firefighter attempted to help the man, Schaeffer said, the firefighter was allegedly punched in the face, resulting in “significant facial injuries.”

That same man who allegedly punched the firefighter allegedly assaulted another first responder in an ambulance en route to a hospital, Schaeffer said,

A firefighter suffered mild burns, Schaeffer said. The home had “serious” damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Schaeffer said he didn’t know if the man was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Copyright 2017 The Spokesman-Review

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU