A Paton man was arrested for alleged attempted murder and arson.
According to court documents, a stabbed victim contacted dispatch on his way to the Greene County Medical Center to report the stab wound in his back. Then, the victim received a phone call from the alleged suspect, 28-year-old Devin Hackfort, telling the victim that he was burning his house down in Paton.
Court documents show that two deputies arrived at the house and confirmed that it was on fire, and that they were able to save a dog, but two cats perished. The deputies then received a lead of the direction of where Hackfort left in a vehicle. The affidavit states that the vehicle was found on U Avenue and Hackfort refused to pull over and a chase ensued.
During the chase, the vehicle Hackfort was driving hit a set of placed spike strips on U Avenue and 130th Street, however the vehicle turned and headed back into Paton, reaching speeds of 70 mph in a 25 mph zone. After failed pit maneuver attempts by law enforcement, in which one patrol vehicle became disabled, Hackfort’s vehicle eventually stopped and he was apprehended.
Court documents show that Hackfort struggled when he was taken into custody, resulting in a deputy suffering a minor hand injury. After Hackfort was taken to the Greene County Jail, he refused to answer questions and wanted to talk to his lawyer and his mental health therapist. Hackfort was then booked into the Greene County Jail on several charges including a Class B Felony for attempted murder, a Class C Felony for second degree arson, a Class D Felony for eluding, two aggravated misdemeanors for first degree harassment and assault on person in certain occupation-causing bodily injury, and a serious misdemeanor for assault on person in certain occupation.
Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams says the State Fire Marshall’s Office has already investigated the fire scene. Hackfort is held in jail under a $45,000 cash only bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 19th. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.