Arson suspect charged over assault

Arsonsuspect charged over assault

11 March 2008

published by www.news.com.au

Australia — A suspected firebug accused of punching a firefighter andthrowing rocks at him has been charged with assault.

Fire crews were called to a small scrub fire at Berowra, in Sydney’s north,around 9.20am (AEDT) today.

A man, who had been acting suspiciously nearby as they put out the flames,ran up to one firefighter, shouted abuse at him, then punched him in the face, aNew South Wales Fire Brigades spokesman said.

The man then ran off into the bush, throwing rocks at the fireman as he went.

After a short struggle, a man was apprehended on the Pacific Highway about1.30pm (AEDT).

The fire brigades spokesman said the man was suspected of lighting the fire.

A 37-year-old man has been charged with assaulting the officer, setting fireto property and resisting an officer.

He has been refused bail to appear in Hornsby Local Court tomorrow.

The firefighter suffered minor injuries but was taken to Hornsby Hospital asa precaution.