WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SUSPICION OF DUI AT PENNSYLVANIA FIRE SCENE

A Wilkes-Barre woman was arrested for the suspicion of driving under the influence early Tuesday when she drove her vehicle over a fire hose, hit an expensive air tank and almost struck a firefighter during a fire in the city's Heights section, city officials said.

Markia Henry, 22, of Park Avenue, was taken into custody at the scene around 2:15 a.m. after failing several field sobriety tests, police said. Damage caused by her running over the fire hose with her GMC sports utility vehicle didn't severely impact firefighters battling the fire at 388 E. Northampton St., which was quickly contained, fire officials said.

Meanwhile, firefighters said the quick actions of city police officer John Majikes helped insure all five occupants made it out of the home safely. Majikes was on patrol when he spotted smoke and flames at the apartment complex that borders Meade Street, and pounded on doors until everyone got out safely.

"Things could have turned out different. I give him all the credit in the world," said city Fire Inspector Bill Sharksnas. The fire, which was ruled accidental due to an electrical malfunction, began in a first-floor kitchen ceiling, and spread through the walls into the upper floors. Firefighters faced significant smoke, but minimal flames, as they quickly extinguished the fire, Sharksnas said.

Police said DUI charges against Henry are pending the results of blood tests.

Driving over a fire hose is a summary offense in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, said Wilkes-Barre police. Lt. Steve Olshefski. The summary citation would likely be attached if DUI charges are filed, Olshefski said.