Virginia firefighter charged with DUI after response to crash scene
Elizabeth Tyree, Ashley Ann & Marissa Parra, WSET-TV:
Firefighter Joshua Mata was responding to the scene of an accident involving a police chase on Sunday night, Virginia State Police says in a press release Wednesday night.
Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene when medical assistance and transport was requested at Route 460 and Turkey Foot Road.
Mata was driving the fire department vehicle at the time. After an investigation by Trooper M.D. Mayhew, Mata was arrested for DUI in Bedford County and transported to the Bedford Blue Ridge Regional Jail.
According to the Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department website, Mata is listed as a 1st Captain with the department.
Tobi Walsh, The News & Advance:
Lynchburg Fire Department Deputy Chief Greg Wormser said Mata also is a member of the Lynchburg Fire Department. Wormser said Mata has been with the department for less than a year and is on leave following the incident. Wormser declined to comment if Mata was on paid leave.
Due to the need for medical assistance, the Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department was asked to respond to the crash, (VSP spokeswoman Corinne) Geller said. She said a responding trooper made Mata’s arrest. Geller said state police does not release blood alcohol content.
Mata was transported to Bedford Adult Detention Center. He was released on $1,000 bond.
