A DeKalb County man has been charged with arson and assault after setting fire to his Lower Helton road residence and then hitting an officer at the scene near Alexandria.

Jason Bryan Hale, 45, was also charged with resisting stop, frisk, halt, arrest, or search by punching the officer who was trying to move Hale away from danger prior to being taken into custody.

Central dispatch received the call Wednesday evening at 5:58 p.m. and paged members of the DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department. The caller alerted 911 that someone was still inside the home and he refused to leave. It was later reported the man had gone outside the home and was armed with a shotgun. 

Sheriff Patrick Ray and officers of the Sheriff’s Department arrived at the scene and took the man (Hale) into custody. It was discovered Hale didn't have a shotgun but did allegedly physically assault a police officer.

His bond totals $23,000 and his court date is Nov. 30.