Fire Victim Charged With Endangering Firefighters

Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Richard L. Gilman
Richard L. Gilman

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Richard L. Gilman for giving false information to firefighters that placed their lives in danger.

At 7:35 p.m. on Saturday, the Cleveland Fire Department responded to a fire at 1121 4th St. Upon their arrival, Gilman reported his brother was trapped in a rear bedroom and did not escape the fire.

Those statements were made in the presence of Sheriff’s Deputy Derik Seifrit.

Firefighters entered the burning structure but were unable to find anyone.

After the blaze had been extinguished, Gilman was questioned about the origin of the fire and made statements indicating he knew his brother was not at the residence.



Deputy Seifrit charged Gilman with reckless endangerment. He was booked at the Bradley County jail and later released on a $5,000 bond.


Latest County Jail Booking Reports

Here are the latest county jail booking reports from Hamilton County and Walker County: Hamilton County: APPLEBERRY, CARLOS DEMETRIUS 2404 5TH AVENUE CHATTANOOGA, 37406 23 Hamilton County     CRIMINAL TRESPASSING BALLARD, CHRISTOPHER JAMES GLEASON DRIVE APT 57 EAST RIDGE, 37412 23 East Ridge     DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED ... (click for more)

Cleveland Council Applauds School Crossing Guard With 45 Years Of Service; City Getting Pool And Splash Park

 The Cleveland City Council began their voting meeting Monday afternoon by giving special recognition to Claudine Ensley for her 45 years of service as a crossing guard. She began her career at Blythe Avenue Elementary and was later transferred to Blythe Bower Elementary.  Cleveland Mayor Tom Rowland stated, “One of the most difficult jobs in the city in my opinion ... (click for more)

Thoughs On The Mathews Sentencing

It is not by coincidence I haven’t submitted an opinion piece in some time to the Chattanoogan.  The topics I cover are generally vitriolic in regards to local political decisions and their makers regarding public safety and I do not wish to associate my name with more noble subjects such as that of the heroic death and cowardly murder of Chattanooga Police Sergeant Tim Chapin, ... (click for more)

Thank You, Judge Mattice And Chattanooga

I would like to thank Judge Mattice for handing down a 30.5 year sentence for Kathleen Mathews.  Obviously, no amount of jail time, fines, or lashings can bring back Tim Chapin.   A 30-year sentence will, however, make the world just a little safer.  That's what Sgt. Chapin would have wanted.  He was a protector and sacrificed his life so the rest of ... (click for more)

Ford's Game-Winner Leads Irish Past Chargers

Notre Dame is moving on.   The Irish advanced Monday night when steady Steadmon Ford drove a stake in the Chargers’ heart, draining a game-winning 3-pointer with 1.8 seconds left as No. 4 seed Notre Dame defeated fifth-seed Chattanooga Christian, 41-38, in District 7-AA tournament action in Phifer Gymnasium.   It was a thriller.   Notre Dame (10-14) ... (click for more)

Jay Fowler, Chris Walker To Speak at Quarterback Club

Jay Fowler and Chris Walker of Fellowship of Christian Athletes are the guest speakers for Monday's Chttanooga Quarterback Club at Finley Stadium at noon. Fowler, a Tyner and West Point graduate,  is the director of The Greater Chattanooga FCA, while Walker, a former University of Tennessee football player, is the FCA campus director for the Chattanooga ... (click for more)