Man Sets Fire To House

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 8:17 am, Officers responded to an address on Freeman Street about a disturbance. On arrival, officers heard loud screaming from inside the residence. Officers made verbal contact at the front door, and a male subject told them that the female would be allowed to leave but warned officers not to enter. Officers believed the male subject was armed and attempted to negotiate with him to exit the residence. The male subject then advised officers that he had poured gasoline and would set fire to the house.

A short time later, officers noticed a large amount of smoke filling the residence and heard a gunshot. After the smoke filled the house, the male subject broke a window and could exit with the assistance of officers.

Sulphur Springs Fire Department quickly extinguish the fire. Due to the proximity of Douglas School, they placed the school on “Secure” for preventive measures, and all students and staff are safe.

The male subject was John Andrew Rushin. They transported him to the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and charged him with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Deadly Conduct, Arson, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The Police Department would like to thank the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety for their assistance.