Man Tries To Save Snakes From House Fire; Police Use Taser To Subdue Him

Police had to use a stun gun on a North Belle Vernon man whose house was on fire because they said the man was endangering himself trying to battle the blaze with a garden hose.

Officials in North Belle Vernon said the fire broke out Monday afternoon and spread to two Green Street houses.

Police said they tried three times to remove Damon Baker from the scene, but he wouldn't budge, so officers used a Taser to subdue him.

"Had I been able to stay there and spray it down, we may not have lost all our animals," Baker said.

"In any type of fire or situation like that, the best thing for the homeowner to do is let the fire department come in and do their job so that no one gets hurt,” said Fire Chief Ken Ramsdell.

Baker said was just trying to save his pet reptiles. Five of his snakes made it out of the fire, but six didn't survive.

Police said no charges will be filed against Baker.

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