Attacked while trying to help

Appleton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Tyler was attacked by the husband of a woman he was attempting to provide medical attention to which led to the husband being arrested. His wife was later pronounced dead at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton.

Christopher Wade Smith, 51, 9722 Appleton Road, has been charged with assault I and criminal mischief II. Funeral arrangements are being made for his wife Tonia Smith.

According to reports released by the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, a 911 call came in at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 14 of a subject having an asthma attack at 9722 Appleton Road.

Escambia County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said an ambulance and the Appleton Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. Due to a prior domestic violence incident at the residence, sheriff's deputies were also dispatched.

Lambert noted Smith and his wife were both arrested on domestic violence charges about two months ago and Smith was still on bond from that charge when Thursday's incident occurred.

Lambert said emergency personnel and firefighters were aware of the domestic situation and made the decision to stop short of the residence and wait for law enforcement to arrive.

Another 911 call came in stating Tonia Smith, who was a member of the Appleton Volunteer Fire Department, was possibly not breathing.

"A decision was made for emergency personnel to go ahead and enter the residence," Lambert said.

Lambert said when Emergency Medical Service personnel and firemen entered the residence, Christopher Smith was doing chest compressions on his wife. Chief Tyler began to assist in giving medical attention and was struck in the right eye by Christopher Smith. Lambert said the blow caused serious injury and fractures to Tyler's face.

Emergency personnel loaded Tonia Smith into the ambulance and transported her to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Lambert said when deputies arrived on the scene, Christopher Smith was attempting to leave in his personal vehicle and ran into a firefighter's vehicle, causing damage.

Smith was taken into custody at that point and transported to the Escambia County Detention Center. He was jailed on $250,000 bond on the new charges of assault I and criminal mischief II. The district attorney's office also filed a motion to have his bond revoked on the previous domestic violence charge. As of press time Wednesday, Smith remained in jail.

Tonia Smith's body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Lambert noted the case is still under investigation.

Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton will be handling arrangements for Mrs. Smith's funeral. As of press time no arrangements can be made, but will be posted on Williams' website.