Dec. 05--RIVERBANK -- A sheriff's deputy was assaulted early Wednesday when he arrived at a two-alarm fire at a Riverbank house to apprehend the resident, who was interfering with fire suppression efforts, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.
Keith Jenkins, 35, was arrested on suspicion of arson, assaulting an officer and resisting arrest. Sheriff's Department Sgt. Keith Rakoncza said investigators believe Jenkins started the house fire.
The blaze broke out in the 3600 block of Castle Park Drive about 6:20 a.m., said Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District Capt. Buck Condit.
When the first crews arrived, flames were shooting from the front door and garage of the house, and Jenkins was outside.
Condit said Jenkins attempted to prevent firefighters from pulling the hose from their engine and was stepping on the hose that was already on the ground.
Deputies were called to apprehend Jenkins, who resisted and had to be subdued.One of the deputies suffered minor injuries,some scratches and bruises, during the struggle with Jenkins. The deputy was not hospitalized.
Meanwhile, the fire caused a portion of the roof to collapse. A second alarm was called because of concern the fire would spread, Condit said.
Six engines with 18 personnel responded to the house fire, which was under control after about 20 minutes and did not affect any other structures. The fire gutted the house, causing an estimated $125,000 in damage, Condit said.
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