Miami Twp. police: OVI driver hits ambulance, cruiser at scene of fire that displaces 8

MIAMI TWP., Montgomery County — Eight people, including three children, are out of their homes after a fire broke out Tuesday evening at a townhome.

Everyone made it out safely, but a dog is unaccounted for following the fire reported around 7:40 p.m. at the Miamisburg by the Mall complex in the 8000 block of Towson Boulevard in Miami Twp.

Apartment fire in Miami Twp. Apartment fire in Miami Twp.

Also, Miami Twp. police Sgt. Mike Siney said a driver was intoxicated when he sideswiped an ambulance and then smashed into his cruiser, likely breaking the rear tire axle, in the complex’s parking lot. There were no injuries, but the man’s gray Ford sedan and the cruiser had to be towed.

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The man, whose name was not released, fought with officers and was hit with a Taser twice. He was taken to Sycamore Medical Center in Miamisburg, where he also kicked a hospital security officer in the chest, Siney said.

He will be charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, improper conduct at an emergency, resisting arrest, assault on a security officer and traffic violations for the crashes, Siney said.

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Battalion Chief Steve Meadows of the Miami Valley Fire District said the fire started in a furnace room of one townhome, and spread.

“We had to make an interior attack. At that point, the fire had spread to the attic and it affected the apartments on either side of the main fire apartment,” he said.

Chris McArthur is one of the residents displaced by the fire that broke out at his neighbor’s unit.

“We can get back in and get valuables, but they kicked in our door so we can’t lock it,” he said.

For tonight, a local motel is providing a free voucher to displaced residents. The fire district also has contacted the American Red Cross to assist the residents who could be out of their homes for some time.

“At least a week because there’s a fair amount of damage to all three units,” Meadows said.

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