83-Year-Old Mississippi Man Charged After Striking Firefighter With Vehicle

Authorities say Tommy Broadnax refused to comply with road closure orders during an active forest fire.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:37am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a firefighter's helmet and charred debris, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A stark image of the aftermath of an incident that put a first responder's safety at risk during an active emergency situation.Latimer Today

An 83-year-old Jackson County, Mississippi man has been charged with simple assault on a firefighter after allegedly striking a U.S. Forest Service firefighter with his vehicle while attempting to bypass a road closure during an active forest fire on Saturday evening.

Why it matters

Assaults on first responders are a serious concern, as they put the safety of those protecting the public at risk. This incident highlights the importance of following lawful orders from authorities during emergency situations to ensure the safety of both responders and civilians.

The details

According to authorities, Broadnax became agitated when firefighters and U.S. Forest Service personnel had closed the roadway on Stephen Earl Drive in the Latimer Community while working to contain a forest fire in the area. When Broadnax was told the road was closed, he refused to comply with orders from first responders. A Forest Service firefighter attempted to stop him and repeat the warning, but Broadnax struck her with his vehicle, knocking her to the ground, before continuing down the road.

  • The incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2026.

The players

Tommy Broadnax

An 83-year-old Jackson County, Mississippi resident who was charged with simple assault on a firefighter.

John Ledbetter

The Jackson County Sheriff who announced the charges against Broadnax.

U.S. Forest Service

The federal agency whose firefighter was struck by Broadnax's vehicle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Assaults on first responders are a serious concern, as they put the safety of those protecting the public at risk.”

— John Ledbetter, Jackson County Sheriff

What’s next

Broadnax is expected to appear in court in the coming days to face the felony charge of simple assault on a firefighter.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of heeding the instructions of first responders during emergency situations, as failing to do so can lead to serious consequences not only for the public, but also for the safety of those working to protect the community.