SALEM — The Salem Police Department arrested a 54-year-old Salem man, Steven R. Smith, on a charge of aggravated battery to a police officer following an incident on Friday, Sept. 26, involving a fire at a home in the 600 block of W. McMackin St.
According to information released by the police department, at approximately 5:07 p.m. on Friday, Salem police and Salem firefighters responded to a fire inside the residence of 617 W. McMackin St., which was quickly brought under control by Salem fire.
“Steven Smith, a resident, was acting erratically and interfered with firefighters by grabbing a hose,” the report alleged.
Smith was told by an officer to leave the scene at that time, which he did, according to the report. However, he later returned to the scene and allegedly began yelling at and threatening first responders.
“Officers confronted (Smith), who first lunged at and then ‘chest bumped’ an officer,” the report states.
Smith was taken into custody following the altercation. On Monday, Sept. 29, he was officially charged in Marion County court with aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony; and obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor.
Pretrial release for Smith was granted in the case and a preliminary hearing has been set for 11 a.m. Oct. 29.
