Bear Spray Attack at Firehouse: Man Arrested

In Newport, a man has been apprehended following an incident at a fire station where he deployed bear spray against two firefighters. The event unfolded around 1 a.m. Wednesday, beginning with a car crashing into the station's parking lot. A woman injured in the crash sought assistance inside the firehouse.

Moments later, a man, later identified as Jacob Palmer, entered the station. He presented an object he claimed was a firearm but was actually bear spray, which he used on two firefighters. Fire Chief Frank Peluso confirmed that the affected firefighters were treated at the station and did not require additional medical care.

Palmer was taken into custody and faces charges including assault on emergency medical services personnel, burglary, unlawful imprisonment, wanton endangerment, and public intoxication. The woman involved in the initial car crash was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Palmer is scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday.