Home / Crime and Justice / Palermo Man Arrested for Throwing Can, Disabling Fire Truck on Emergency Call
Palermo Man Arrested for Throwing Can, Disabling Fire Truck on Emergency Call
28 Oct, 2025
Summary
- 31-year-old William Miller Jr. arrested for throwing can at fire engine
- Incident occurred on June 29, 2025 as engine responded to vegetation fire
- Fire engine's windshield shattered, delaying response to emergency
On June 29, 2025, a Butte County Fire Engine was rushing to a vegetation fire in the Upper Palermo Road area with its lights and sirens on. However, the fire engine was struck by an object thrown at it, shattering the vehicle's windshield. This incident prevented the crew from reaching the emergency scene.
Investigators later determined that the object was a 20-ounce unopened can of Red Bull. With the help of Butte County authorities and the California Highway Patrol, the alleged can-throwing suspect was identified as 31-year-old Palermo resident William Miller Jr.
In October 2025, a warrant was issued, and Miller was arrested for the June incident. Cal Fire noted that the fire engine was out of service for several weeks and required thousands of dollars' worth of repairs due to the damage caused by the thrown can.
