WW firefighter, police officers assaulted hours apart
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, July 6th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – In two separate incidents, just hours apart, one firefighter and two police officers were assaulted late Monday and early Tuesday, according to the Walla Walla Police Department.
The first incident happened around 11 p.m. Monday as firefighters were working to put out a structure fire on the 2000 block of Glen Erin Drive. One of the residents, Jason Wilke, 51, of Walla Walla tried to go back into the house. As firefighters worked to keep him out of the burning structure, Wilke allegedly struck one of the firefighters on the side of the head.
Officers were informed by other firefighters and responded to find firefighters trying to control Wilke who was still actively fighting. Wilke was placed under arrest for third-degree assault and transported to the Walla Walla County Jail. No injuries were reported to the firefighter or Wilke.
The second incident happened around 4 a.m. Tuesday when police officers responded to the Sleep Center to assist in trespassing a female transient who was causing issues inside.
When officers arrived, they advised Lisa Vrabel, 40, that she was going to be trespassed from the center due to her behavior and the disturbance at the center. Refusing to leave, that caused officers to place her under arrest. Vrabel resisted and fought with officers biting one officer on the leg and then biting the other officer on the forearm, breaking the skin each time. Both officers were treated for minor injuries.
Vrabel was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail for resisting arrest, two counts of third-degree assault, first-degree trespass, and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
