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Deputy suffers severe burns after being set on fire by suspect during arrest in Rootstown

Jay Brannon, 49, has been charged with felony first degree attempted aggravated murder, felony one aggravated arson and the previous felony drug charges that precipitated the event.

ROOTSTOWN, Ohio — A deputy is recovering from severe burns after he was set on fire while trying to arrest a man in Portage County on Thursday afternoon.

Portage County Sheriff's deputies and NEOMED police department officers were attempting to serve Jay E. Brannon, 49, 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.

Brannon has been charged with felony first degree attempted aggravated murder, felony one aggravated arson and the previous felony drug charges that precipitated the event. 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.

Both Brannon and Moore are being held in the Portage County Jail, pending arraignment.

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