Veteran Toledo firefighter arrested

4/30/2013

A Toledo firefighter was arrested early Monday morning for pushing his way into a woman’s residence, then trying to flee twice from police as they attempted to arrest him, according to police reports.

Thomas E. Williams, 59, was charged Monday with violating a protection order, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business. He was released Monday on a $1,500 bond.

Police responded about 2:31 a.m. to a residence on Four Seasons Drive for a report of a burglary. According to police, Mr. Williams had pushed his way inside a residence, and had to be pushed back outside the home.

An officer stopped Mr. Williams as he backed out of a parking space. Mr. Williams is accused of running away from the officer as he was being taken into custody, and then once caught, pulling away from the officer and attempting to run away again, police reports state.

On Oct. 9, the woman had filed for a civil stalking protection order against Mr. Williams. On Oct. 22, a protection order was issued for one year, court documents state.

Mr. Williams has been with the Toledo Fire Department for more than 23 years. The firefighter and paramedic was most recently assigned to Station 14, 1655 N. Reynolds Rd., Battalion Chief John Kaminski said.

Mr. Williams has been on sick leave “for some time,” Chief Kaminski said. The department was made aware of his arrest Monday morning.

“We will definitely investigate this very thoroughly,” Chief Kaminski said.

— Nolan Rosenkrans