In court, firefighter recalls being bitten by suspect

BARTOW (FOX 13) - A Polk County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief recounted in court on Friday a man attacking and viciously bit him.

Batallion Chief Kevin Shireman was responding to a car crash on Thornhill Road back in April when it happened.

Investigators say the driver of the car that crashed into a fence, Breonski Gardner, was acting erratic and belligerent when first responders showed up. They say he threw his keys at one of the officers.

Shireman described on the stand how Gardner bit him during a struggle.

"I was yelling, 'Let my freaking arm go,'" Shiremand recalled. "The pain was starting to kick in. 'Stop biting me! Stop biting me!' Probably punching him in the face. He wouldn't let go."

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The attack left Shireman's arm splayed open. The skin was ripped open from his elbow to his wrist.

"It is terrible," said Deputy Chief Rick Parnell. "I wouldn't wish this on anybody."

Shireman has undergone three surgeries and may need more. He has also suffered through a skin graft and more.

Gardner's attorneys argued that his bond should be lowered. The judge disagreed. It remains at $229,000.