By Police1 Staff
WASHINGTON — Two D.C. firefighters have been put on administrative leave after being arrested and charged with assaulting police officers in separate incidents.
The Washington Post reported that one firefighter was arrested Tuesday on misdemeanor assault and reckless driving. A court document says his car nearly hit two pedestrians and ran a red light before stopping.
“I run calls with you guys, I’m not going to jail,” the document quoted him saying. He then struck the arresting officer with his left foot, and then head-butted her, prompting two officers to force him to the ground and put his feet and legs in shackles, according to the report.
He has been a firefighter since December 2013.
The other firefighter was arrested Saturday at a bar and was charged with two counts of assault, disorderly conduct and failing to obey a police officer.
A court document said that when officers arrived, he had been in a fight and was being restrained by three men as he shouted profanities at the bar staff. Police said that an officer had to push him against a police car “in order to gain enough leverage to keep him from pulling away from me,” according to the report. He also kicked an officer’s legs and alleged an officer punched him in the face.
He has been a firefighter since April 2001.
Both firefighters were released from custody pending their next court appearances. They declined to comment.
An internal investigation will take place after the criminal cases have ended.