The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Pennsylvania woman was taken into custody on December 23 when she was accused of assaulting firefighters who were working to put out a fire in a run-down garage.
The Pottsville Fire Department responded to an alert about a small fire burning in a decaying garage on the property of 36-year-old Kate Lynn Blatt, when it was discovered that part of the structure was set aflame by a homeless man. As crews worked to extinguish the flames Blatt was informed that she must take measures to secure the garage in order to deter other vagrants from attempting the same act in the future.
The fire department duty chief on scene reported that Blatt became ill-tempered and began quarreling with him. This caught the attention of two of the firefighters who tried to intervene and assist the chief in subduing Blatt, which caused her to become even more upset. Blatt then allegedly threatened to “knock out” the chief and she was asked by one of the firemen to refrain from assaulting anyone.
Blatt reportedly did not calm down, but instead began punching the rescue crew members causing visible injuries. The crew continued attempting to contain her while awaiting law enforcement, but she continued trying to hit them.
When officers arrived they discovered Blatt mid-scuffle with the fire crew and they warned her that they would be forced to use a Taser on her if she remained noncompliant and aggressive.
Blatt persisted in acting combative and was arrested after police and firefighters struggled to contain her. She is facing charges of three misdemeanor counts of simple assault, one misdemeanor count of resisting arrest, one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct and two felony counts of aggravated assault. Blatt was taken to Shuylkill County Prison and held on $25,000 bail. She was released from custody on December 27 after enlisting the assistance of a bail bondsman.
If you or someone you love is suspected of assault, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.