Fire victim charged with endangering firefighters

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Richard L. Gilman for giving false information to firefighters that placed their lives in danger.

At 7:35 p.m. on Saturday April 28, the Cleveland Fire Department responded to a fire at 1121 4th Street. Upon their arrival, Gilman reported his brother was trapped in a rear bedroom and did not escape the fire.   

Those statements were made in the presence of Sheriff’s Deputy Derik Seifrit.

Firefighters entered the burning structure but were unable to find anyone.  After the blaze had been extinguished Gilman was questioned about the origin of the fire and made statements indicating he knew his brother was not at the residence.

Deputy Seifrit charged Gilman with reckless endangerment. He was booked at the Bradley County jail and later released on a $5,000 bond.