Indiana Couple Arrested for Obstructing Firefighters

March 14, 2006
Deputies allege the couple was intoxicated, and refused to stay away from the fire.

A man and woman were arrested, accused by police of becoming belligerent as firefighters battled a blaze at their home Sunday.

Tim and Lisa Atkinson face misdemeanor charges of refusing to leave an emergency area, obstructing firefighters, resisting law enforcement and battery.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Department said the fire began when lightning struck the home in the 200 block of Angela Court just after 2 a.m. Sunday.

Police said the Atkinsons were not home at the time, but arrived shortly after emergency responders.

Officials said Tim Atkinson demanded to remove an automobile from his garage and did so despite being told it was unsafe to approach the home.

The sheriff's department said both Tim and Lisa Atkinson were intoxicated and tried to escape police to go into the home despite orders from officials not to do so.

Copyright 2006 by TheIndyChannel.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!