Derby Man Charged In Connection To Injured Firefighter

DERBY — A 27-year-old man was charged with injuring a fire police officer while rushing to get to the scene of his burning apartment.

Kyle Eckweiler lives in an apartment on Caroline Street where there was a fire reported Jan. 19. He wasn’t home at the time of the fire, which was reported about 9:15 p.m. but learned of the incident and drove to the scene.

According to a probable cause statement from Derby police, a fire police officer (a member of the Derby Fire Department) was stationed near Water Street and Caroline Street to prevent traffic from heading down the road, which was clogged with fire trucks.

Eckweiler, however, allegedly drove past the firefighter, striking him in the leg with his vehicle while passing him, according to police.

Outside his apartment, Eckweiler could be seen trying to push firefighters out of his way to get into his apartment as other firefighters were still dealing with the blaze, which was relatively minor. Eventually he ran into the apartment as firefighters weren’t looking, and exited with his dog. The animal did not appear to be harmed.

Eckweiler was charged with striking an officer with a motor vehicle, assaulting a public safety officer, and breach of peace. He’s due in court in May.

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