Sept. 23--BROOKSVILLE -- A Masaryktown man was arrested Friday night after paramedics say he punched a Hernando County Fire Rescue captain in the temple, causing him to black out.
According to a Hernando County Sheriff's Office arrest report Paul Rendon, 26, was under the influence of alcohol at the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and Broad Street when he approached a fire truck and banged on the passenger door.
The fire truck was about to leave the intersection after responding to a call about a man lying in the road, according to the report. However, fire/rescue was unable to locate the man.
Assuming Rendon needed help, the fire captain and crews exited the truck to speak with Rendon. The fire captain said Rendon became belligerent and walked toward him in a hostile way, so the captain told Rendon to calm down, and back up.
Fire/rescue paramedics radioed to a deputy, and within two minutes radioed back saying Rendon punched the captain with a closed fist in the side of the head at the temple, causing him to black out and fall on the ground.
Several people in the area restrained Rendon in front of La Siesta Motel, where the report states he became hostile and attempted to start another physical fight with someone there.
Law enforcement arrived, and with residents' help, Rendon was taken to the ground, detained and leg shackled. The fire captain appeared dazed, and was transported to Brooksville Regional Hospital.
During booking at the Hernando County Jail, a deputy found a pipe in Rendon's pocket with a small amount of marijuana.
He was charged with battery on a firefighter, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug equipment. He is being held on $6,000 bond.
Copyright 2013 - Hernando Today, Brooksville, Fla.
