Two Binghamton Police Officers Attacked in Burning Building

A Binghamton man has been arrested after two police officers were injured while trying to evacuate residents from a burning apartment house on the city's West Side.

Authorities say 35-year-old Brian Shofkom has been charged with two counts of assault. He also faces counts of criminal obstruction of breathing, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration.

A fire in the three-story building at 193 Matthews Street was reported around 3:20 a.m. Friday.

Police officers were told people were still in the burning structure. When two officers were in a stairwell, a man approached them from behind. He pushed one officer and attacked the other.

The assailant and the officer fell down the stairs. The two officers struggled with the man and took him into custody.

The officers were taken to a hospital where they were treated for injuries and released.

Detectives say the fire is "suspicious in nature." The two-alarm blaze caused extensive fire damage to sections of the second and third floors. Smoke and water damage was reported to the remainder of the building, which has 13 apartments.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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