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Police have to Subdue Man Refusing to Leave Burning Home

Last updated on Wednesday, January 3, 2018

(WASHINGTON) - Washington police had to subdue a man who refused to leave a burning home Tuesday afternoon.

Washington Fire Department and Washington Police were called at 3:30 p.m. to a house fire at 1717 Vincennes Avenue.

When they arrived the found the porch engulfed in flames.

A Washington police officer noticed a man through a window inside the home. The officer kicked in the back door with smoke rolling out the door. Kurt Rhebik refused to come out of the home.

The officer struggled with Rhebik who became combative. The officer had to tase Rhebik after he attempted to pull the officer into the burning home. Rhebik was then pulled from a window on the east side of the home. Both Rhebik and the officer was taken to Daviess Community Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Washington Fire Chief Dave Rhoads say the home is owned by Debbie Bogart and Rhebik was the lone occupant.

More than 10 firefighters battled the blaze until 6:14 a.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Chief Rhoads says an alternative heat source was involved.

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