Police: Douglass school secured due to alleged fire-setter nearby
Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center was placed into secure mode today after a man allegedly set fire to a nearby building, according to the Sulphur Springs Police Department.
On March 28 at approximately 8:17 a.m., police received a call to Freeman Street for a disturbance.
Officers made verbal contact at the front door and were told by a man inside that he would allow a woman inside to leave, but would not allow officers to enter.
Officers tried to negotiate with the man to exit the residence as they believed that the man was armed. The man then allegedly told police he had poured gasoline and was in the process of setting the house on fire.
Officers then noticed smoke filling the house, and heard a gunshot, SSPD reported. As the smoke got more dense, the man allegedly broke a window and was able to be extracted.
Sulphur Springs Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire.
Due to the proximity of the house to the Douglass school, the school was placed on “Secure” for precautionary measures. All students and staff remained safe.
The man was identified as John Andrew Rushin. Rushin was booked into the Hopkins County jail on charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Deadly Conduct, Arson, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety assisted.
Note: Names are only released for those who incur state jail felonies or higher. Information is subject to change. Chief Jason Ricketson contributed this article.
