Deputy deploys taser to keep suspect from getting a machete

Man setting illegal fires forces RVFD, sheriff’s deputies to repeatedly come back

RIDGEWOOD, TN (WLAF)- Over the past two weeks, firefighters with the Ridgewood Volunteer Fire Department have responded to the call of an illegal burn five times to the same address, 1903 Highway 116. The down side is that on most of those days, burn permits were not being issued. The upside is that the illegal burns have been at a residence across Highway 116 from the fire hall. Law enforcement has also responded those five times.

The alleged culprit is Peter Mullins. Mullins illegal burns include trash and brush and have been dangerously close to his own home and other’s properties, according to Campbell Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb McClurg. The deputy’s latest visit to Mullins home ended with Mullins being transported to the La Follette Medical Center by way of Campbell EMS, and then he was placed under arrest and driven to the Campbell County Jail by McClurg.

When McClurg arrived to this latest episode with Mullins at 2:34pm Wednesday, RVFD Firefighters had already extinguished the illegal fire. The deputy tried to make contact with Mullins, and Mullins would not answer his door.

McClurg parked across Highway 116 and soon saw Mullins leave his basement and allegedly begin building another fire. The deputy went over to the house making contact with Mullins in the doorway to the basement and advised Mullins of the statewide burn ban. Mullins was ordered to follow McClurg to his cruiser so a citation for reckless burning could be issued.

Mullins attempted to flee into the basement trying to slam the door shut on the deputy, but McClurg kept the door open and pursued Mullins who was headed toward a machete. The deputy then fired his Taser. Mullins fell short of the machete and began crawling toward it. The Taser was fired again with no effect on Mullins.

The deputy closed in on Mullins gaining control of one of Mullins arms as Mullins was allegedly striking McClurg with his fist. After a brief struggle, the deputy was able to handcuff Mullins and roll him into a recovery position.

Mullins complained of chest pains and was transported to the hospital where he was cleared by the medical staff. He was then taken to the county jail and booked.

Mullins, 61, of Highway 116, Caryville, was charged with reckless burning, evading arrest, resist-stop-frisk-halt or search and assault against a first responder. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/17/2026-6AM)