Bond was set at $1 million for the man accused of setting a Portage County police deputy on fire on Thursday evening.
Jay Brannon, 49, has been charged with felony first degree attempted aggravated murder and felony one aggravated arson. He also faces a felony drug charge that led to the events that led to the altercation with law enforcement that landed him in court on Friday.
Portage County Sheriff's deputies and NEOMED police department officers were attempting to serve Brannon at a property at the 3964 St. Rt. 44 in Rootstown. As deputies entered the building, they found Brannon crouched in front of a pickup truck that was in the process of being repaired. He then ignited a can of flammable liquids and made threats that he would "kill the cops" and comments that he wanted officers to kill him.
Brannon proceeded to throw the ignited can of flammable liquid, striking Sgt. James Acklin. With his clothing on fire, Sgt. Acklin retreated through a man door as other deputies and officers put out the flames.
Brannon charged and attempted to assault the officers. He was taken into custody after being forced outside and onto the driveway.
Michael Moore, age 59, was also arrested on the scene and charged with unrelated drug charges on an outstanding warrant.
Sgt. Acklin was transported to the Akron Children's Burn Unit, where he remains at this time. Two other officers were treated and released at UH for smoke inhalation and the Rootstown Fire department was able to contain the fire outside the structure.