LORAIN, Ohio — Lorain fire departments were placed on lockdown Saturday after a man attempted to break into one of the fire stations, according to authorities.
"[He] was banging on the windows, and our guys had the presence of mind to not let him and they called the police right away," said Assistant Lorain Fire Chief Jonathon George. "It's a little bit scary."
Overnight, a warning went out to all Lorain County fire stations about the man, leading to stations locking their doors and staying on “high alert,” authorities said.
George got the order to lockdown Lorain's fire stations from his chief this morning.
"He let us know that apparently there was a credible threat against policemen and firemen," George said.
Details of that threat have not been released, but fire stations across Lorain County were told to be on the lookout for the man.
"It's just not something you should have to worry about coming to work," said Eaton Township Fire and Rescue Firefighter Andrew Brumfield.
His department was also locked down as a precaution.
"This is our home, this is our safe place," said Brumfield, "and it's just like your home. You wouldn't want anyone coming in here and messing with you."
Saturday afternoon, fire departments were informed that the man was taken into custody, authorities said.
A spokesman for the Ohio Highway Patrol said the 32-year-old man from Lorain drove himself to the highway patrol post in Brook Park and called dispatchers asking if he could use a patrol car.
Troopers said dispatchers checked security cameras and recognized the man's car from the law enforcement bulletin.
Troopers and Brook Park police arrested the man.
He was taken to Lorain County jail, where records show he's been held on charges of fleeing police and making terroristic threats.
