Man tries to run down emergency responders at fire scene
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
An Atmore man is free on bond after being charged with two counts of attempted murder for reportedly trying to run down a city policeman and a city firefighter following a flare-up of a September 11 fire at the man’s South Road residence.
According to Atmore Fire Department reports, firefighters were initially called to the site at 11:50 a.m. They were called back later that evening when flames reappeared in the charred wreckage of the mobile home.
AFD personnel were rolling up their hoses and preparing to leave the property around 9:15 p.m. when, according to reports, 34-year-old Norman Lambert drove onto the property “recklessly and at a high rate of speed.”
Reports show that Lambert nearly struck a firefighter as he drove to the rear of the property and began driving in circles in the mud created by the firefighting efforts. Fire personnel called city police to the scene when it was determined that other firefighters were also endangered.
Lambert was still revving his engine and driving recklessly in the mud as an APD officer approached his vehicle. According to reports, the policeman was almost struck before Lambert’s vehicle bogged down in the mud again.
Atmore Police Chief Chuck Brooks confirmed reports that the officer fired his service revolver at the car as it approached him.
“I will confirm that two shots were fired at the suspect vehicle by an APD officer when the suspect was trying to run over the officer,” Brooks said. “The suspect, nor the vehicle, was hit by either shot.”
The Atmore man, realizing he was mired in the mud and couldn’t navigate out of it, surrendered and was taken into custody.
He is charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of obstructing a government operation by interfering with the fire department personnel.
An employee of the Escambia County Detention Center’s booking and release division said Lambert was released September 15 after bond of $150,000 was posted on his behalf.