Rapid City Man Arrested for Interfering with Firefighters

Angelo Shiraldi charged with reckless burning and obstruction after starting fire and obstructing emergency response.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:44pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, twisted piece of metal or wood, conveying the aftermath of a small fire and the challenges faced by firefighters.The aftermath of a small fire that required firefighter intervention, exposing the dangers that emergency responders can face when dealing with uncooperative individuals.Rapid City Today

A 50-year-old Rapid City man named Angelo Shiraldi has been arrested and charged with reckless burning and obstruction after he allegedly started a fire and then returned to the scene to interfere with firefighters working to extinguish the blaze.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers and challenges that firefighters can face when responding to emergencies, as well as the potential legal consequences for individuals who intentionally obstruct or interfere with their duties.

The details

According to police, Shiraldi started a fire by igniting a pile of branches on East Denver Street in Rapid City. He then fled the scene before officers arrived. Shiraldi later returned and began yelling and obstructing the firefighters who were working to put out the burning branches.

  • The incident occurred on April 7, 2026.

The players

Angelo Shiraldi

A 50-year-old Rapid City resident who was arrested and charged with reckless burning and obstruction for starting a fire and interfering with firefighters.

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What’s next

Shiraldi was taken into custody and brought to the Pennington County Jail. The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and cooperating with emergency responders, as their ability to effectively do their jobs can have serious implications for public safety.