SAN ANGELO, Texas — San Angelo Police Department officers and San Angelo Fire Department personnel responded to a structure fire at approximately 5:35 a.m. Tuesday at the Bella Vista Apartments, 4125 Ben Ficklin Road.
When officers and fire personnel got to the scene, they learned Jimmy Keith, 62, had received minor burns after lighting a fire in his apartment. He was transported to Shannon Medical Center downtown for treatment for the burns.
Keith was under detention at the hospital for arson and under the supervision of a San Angelo Police officer. While receiving treatment, Keith ran from the facility and made it outside to the north side of the emergency room.
The officer stopped him and tried to take him into custody, but was hit multiple times in the face by Keith. Multiple civilians, Shannon staff and Ballinger EMS personnel helped the officer take Keith into custody.
He was ultimately charged with arson, assault on a peace officer and evading arrest/detention.
The officer received treatment at Shannon for facial injuries from the incident and was released.
In a press release, the SAPD thanked all who assisted with taking Keith into custody.
