Investigators said a medical response was underway when the confrontation began.
ACWORTH, Ga. — A parking dispute during an emergency call led to criminal charges after police said a man threatened Cobb County firefighters and struck their engine with his car Saturday morning.
Police said firefighters were responding to a medical emergency at a Bojangles in Acworth when Cobb County Fire Engine 11 was parked near the entrance. The position temporarily blocked several parked vehicles, including one belonging to 26-year-old Tyler Washington.
Acworth police said Washington demanded that firefighters move the engine right away. Sgt. Eric Mistretta said the crew told him the medical call had to come first. Authorities said Washington then shouted threats to kill and fight the firefighters.
Witness Lamar Simpson said Washington was angry inside the parking lot before the crash. Simpson said Washington went to his car, got into the driver’s seat and backed into the fire engine. Police said the collision damaged both vehicles, though the apparatus was not significantly displaced.
The medical emergency that brought firefighters to the restaurant remained partly unclear. Officials did not release the patient’s identity or condition. The early police account did not report injuries to firefighters from the collision.
Washington was jailed on several charges, including obstruction of firefighters, interference with government property and terroristic threats. Police said they also found an outstanding warrant for Washington from another jurisdiction on a separate terroristic threats charge.
The case remains in the investigative and court intake stage. Officers gathered witness statements and damage information after the arrest. Prosecutors will determine how the case proceeds, and additional court records could clarify bond, arraignment and hearing dates.
The confrontation highlighted the risk emergency crews face when apparatus blocks access during active calls. In this case, police said the firefighters were still working the medical response when the argument shifted from a delay in the parking lot to a criminal investigation.
Author note: Last updated April 30, 2026.