Nov. 28--GREENVILLE -- A West Tawakoni man was alleged to have tried to run over firefighters who responded to a report of a fire at his home over the weekend.
Hunt County Sheriff Randy Meeks said William Alton Easterling, 70, was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant after he allegedly attacked personnel responding to the fire Saturday night.
"The fire and police personnel were there to help," Meeks said. "That is what we do when we are called for service. However, this suspect attempted to cause harm to the very people that were there to assist him. Imagine that."
Firefighters responded to a call of a structure fire at Easterling's home on Ideal Circle in West Tawakoni.
Easterling, 70, was arrested at 8:50 p.m. Saturday after he was accused of attempting to run over fire personnel who were trying to bring the blaze under control.
Meeks said when police arrived, Easterling refused to exit his vehicle and had to be removed physically.
The origin of the fire is considered suspicious in nature, Meeks said.
Copyright 2012 - The Herald Banner, Greenville, Texas
