Man At House Fire Bit, Threatened Officer, Police Say
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
The Pierceton man who was arrested Sunday after attempting to run back into his burning residence was attempting to save his dogs when he bit and threatened an officer, according to court paperwork.
Shane Scott Skeens, 30, of 306 W. Tower St., Pierceton, was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail at 7:55 p.m. Sunday on initial charges of obstructing a fireman performing duties, battery with bodily waste, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury and resisting law enforcement.
Court documents filed Tuesday list the charges against him as battery resulting in bodily injury to a law enforcement officer, a level 5 felony; two counts of intimidation on a law enforcement officer, level 6 felonies; battery by bodily waste, a level 6 felony; and resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor.
His bond was set at $100,000 surety and $750 cash.
On Sunday, Pierceton Police Department Town Marshal Tim Sammons responded to a battery and house fire at Skeens’ address. When he arrived, he talked with off-duty police officer Jim Bumbaugh, who said he arrived at the scene and discovered Skeens was inside attempting to save his dogs.
Bumbaugh identified himself and asked Skeens to exit the house because the fire department was on its way. Skeens would not comply, according to the court documents.
Skeens exited the house and collapsed on the ground.
He then stood up and started screaming at Bumbaugh, telling him he didn’t care what he thought. He then walked toward Bumbaugh, swinging his arms in an attempt to hit him. With the help of a neighbor and fireman, Bumbaugh was able to place handcuffs on Skeens.
Court documents state Skeens became belligerent and told Bumbaugh that he was going to kill him and his family.
While Bumbaugh was placing Skeens on the ground, Skeens bit him on the right hand and started spitting on him.
While Bumbaugh was taking Skeens to jail, he told Bumbaugh he would slit his throat from ear to ear. He also told Bumbaugh he was going to make him watch as he murdered his wife, kids and grandchildren. Court documents say he repeated the threat three times.
The owner of the house where Skeens lived has filed for a restraining order against him.
