Video: Neighbors defend LAFD firefighters after violent fight with homeless man
Firefighters under internal & criminal investigation after fighting with man they say broke into firehouse
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L.A. Fire Department Station 6 on Virgil Avenue in Silver Lake, next to the 101 Freeway, is surrounded by homeless encampments, and according to LAPD, a man tried to break into the fire station Friday just before 2 p.m.
They say that firefighters assigned to the station literally kicked the man off their property, as seen in this video shared with Eyewitness News.
“The person with the wig, he’s a troublemaker. Sometimes he throws bottles in the middle of the street. Against the cars,” (neighbor Cristina) Ruiz said. “He’s a bad person. So bad. He always fights with the other homeless, with our residents.”
Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times:
Officers responded to the station about 2 p.m. Friday for a report of trespassing and placed the man on an involuntary psychiatric hold, (Officer Norma) Eisenman said. Police were told there had been previous incidents involving the man and the fire station, she added. The incident remains under investigation, she said.
The LAFD has launched an internal investigation and assigned the firefighters involved to administrative duties pending its outcome, the department said in a statement. The department has also filed a restraining order against the man, the statement said.
