Police arrest 3 during east Topeka house fire

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Three people were arrested by the Topeka Police Department (TPD) as firefighters responded to a house fire on Sunday.

Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release that fire crews with the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) were called around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 to the 400 block of SE Leland Street. Upon arrival, they found a two-story home on fire and began dousing the flames.

Three people in the 700 block of Leland Street, all Topeka residents, were arrested during the response as they were interfering with the TFD's abilities to put out the flames. One of the individuals allegedly tried to enter the home which prompted the TFD to call for help from the TPD. No one was injured during this incident and no people were located in the home at the time of the fire.

In total, the fire caused just over $10,000 in damages. Nichols included the charges for the three who were arrested during the incident in a separate press release:

• 38-year-old
  • Unlawful interference with firefighter; obstruct efforts to reach location.
  • Two warrants.
• 21-year-old
  • Unlawful interference with firefighter; while in the performance of duties.
  • Interference with a law enforcement officer; intending to obstruct the execution or process of any official duty.
  • Assault of law enforcement officer; properly identified in performance of duty.
  • Disobeying lawful police order.
• 18-year-old
  • Interference with law enforcement officer; intending to obstruct the execution or process of any official duty.
  • Pedestrian shall yield to emergency vehicles.
  • Pedestrian in roadway with sidewalk available.
  • Disobeying lawful police order.
  • Warrant.

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