lawrenceburgnow.com
toolbar powered by Conduit
lawrenceburgnow.com
 

Monday, March 9, 2009

Authorities Probe Friday Grass Fire

  Local law enforcement officials initiated an investigation in the wake of a grass fire that sent emergency personnel rushing to the St. Joseph area in the early hours Friday.

  According to reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the emergency call went out around 3:00 a.m., summoning emergency personnel to an area near Jackson Highway.

  When they arrived at the scene, deputies report finding St. Joseph resident Jonathan Wayne Thompson, 24, sitting on a small dirt bike. They indicate that he appeared to be intoxicated at that time.

  When deputies placed Thompson under arrest, they report he became agitated, kicking a window out of a patrol car. They indicate that he kicked a deputy and spit upon two other deputies before he was brought under control.

  Deputies report locating a cigarette pack lying near the fire, along with several cigarette butts. They indicate the cigarettes appear to be the source of the blaze.

  Firefighters from the Iron City and Greenhill volunteer fire departments battled the blaze, along with members of the Forestry Service. Authorities indicate that some 8 ½ acres were damaged by the fire.

  As a result of the investigation Thompson was placed under arrest on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer. He is scheduled for a preliminary appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on March 23, 2009.

  The matter has been turned over for continued investigation by Fire Investigator Shayne Adams of the Lawrenceburg Police Department. He indicates that this investigation, as well as investigation into other recent fires, is continuing at the present time. Charges may soon be forthcoming in connection with the fires.