KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A man was arrested after setting clothes and a United States flag on fire in front of a post office, the Knoxville Police Department said.
James Layton, a 47-year-old, was charged with vandalism, aggravated assault on first responders and resisting arrest.
Officers were originally dispatched to the U.S. Post Office at 2600 Broadway in regards to several small fires near the flagpole at the front of the building, KPD said.
Layton lowered the U.S. flag and the POW flag from the flag pole and set fire to the U.S. flag. He also set clothes on fire, according to KPD.
When officials arrived, Layton swung a large pointed object towards them and flung an unknown substance on them, KPD said.
Layton ignored commands while threatening to fight officers. A Tazer was used on him to “safely affect an arrest,” KPD said.
