Orrington Woman Allegedly Assaults Firefighter & Sheriff's Deputy

An Orrington woman is being accused of assaulting a firefighter and a Deputy who were trying to help in the effort to save her house, according to the Penobscot County Sheriff's Department.

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In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, the Sheriff's office said the incident happened Tuesday evening, while emergency crews were working to extinguish a structure fire on Dow Rd at about 7:30 PM.

The owner of the residence, 62-year-old Erlene Morgan, was at the home at the time of the fire.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Morgan acted with hostility towards the members of the fire department who were trying to put out the fire, to the point where she became combative and ultimately a danger to herself and those around her.

"After some time had passed and with firefighters making entry into the home, the deputy was notified by fire personnel that Morgan physically pushed a firefighter out of the way as he was trying to gain entry to the rear of the residence.

The deputy made extensive efforts to de-escalate Morgan, but Morgan continued to argue and interrupt the deputy. He was met with aggressive and uncooperative behavior throughout their interaction. Morgan's obstruction continued to place herself and others at risk on scene."

The statement goes on to say that Morgan punched the deputy in the face and bit his forearm as he was trying to remove her from the scene. Firefighters had to assist the Deputy in his effort to get her away from the area.

Morgan was ultimately arrested and charged with multiple misdemeanors and one felony count of Assaulting an Officer.

She was transported to the Penobscot County Jail, while the Deputy later received medical treatment for his wounds.