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Cops TASER man to save dog from burning home

The man, a veteran, was swinging a sword and shield, keeping firefighters from battling blaze

Spokesman Review

PORTLAND — A man waving a sword delayed firefighters who arrived at a burning home in north Portland.

The firefighters had to wait for police to detain the man Saturday evening. He was also holding a shield.

Sgt. Greg Pashley with the Portland Police Bureau said firefighters first encountered the 69-year-old man on the front porch. Officers tried to talk to the man, but he kept swinging the sword and yelling incoherently.

Police fired a TASER to subdue the man. Firefighters went inside and rescued a dog that was suffering from smoke inhalation.

There was around $40,000 in damage to the house.

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