Gregg County Deputy assaulted at fire scene

A Longview man remains in custody at Gregg County Jail after his assault on a Gregg County deputy.

Sunday night Gregg County deputies were sent to an address on Texas Highway 149 to assist a Lakeport police officer at the scene of fire at Toon's Bait Shop.

Elderville Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze.

Doug Morgan, Gregg County deputy, arrived to find that a Lake Cherokee man had started a fire to provide light while he worked on a plumbing problem.

Mike Claxton, Gregg County sheriff 's lieutenant, said the fire got out of control and the fire department was dispatched. While firefighters were working, the man who started the fire got in the fire truck and drove it closer to the fire. He drove into a building and caused minor damage to the truck.

According to Claxton, Morgan contacted the man who was intoxicated and he resisted the deputy.

"The man fled on foot. Morgan and the Lakeport officer gave chase. Once the man was captured, he continued to resist and kicked the deputy in his leg," Claxton said. "The deputy deployed taser cycles to the man to limit his ability to injure himself or the officers."

After the man was detained, a power company employee came to the officerss aid and helped them handcuff the suspect.

Claxton said the suspect was transported to Gregg County Jail and charged with criminal mischief, evading arrest and two counts of assault on a public servant.

Monday the suspect was formally arraigned at a hearing before B.H. Jameson, Gregg County justice of the peace.

Wayne Hontus Toon, 26, of Longview, remains in custody with bonds totaling $17,000. Toon has a history of violent crime, Claxton said.