70-year-old arrested after interfering with firefighters during blaze

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A Verona man is being held on the Barry County jail on two felony charges and a misdemeanor after allegedly bringing methamphetamine into the facility after his arrest.

Billy Hancock, 70, of Verona, is charged with delivery or possession of a controlled substance at a jail, possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy Billy Forester, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, on June 9, while local fire departments began fire suppression operations on a fully involved structure fire, Hancock knowingly interfered with the fire operation by continuing to go toward the fire, preventing firefighters to continue operations.

In the process of detaining Hancock for interference, Hancock allegedly pulled his arms away and attempted to flee after being told he was under arrest.

Upon arrival at the Barry County jail, Hancock allegedly knowingly possessed and delivered a small baggy containing a crystal-like substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as 66 small baggies located inside his left boot.

Forester noted Hancock has a criminal history that includes charges of DWI – persistent offender and receiving stolen property in 2014, and operating a vehicle without a license – third or subsequent offense in 2015.

Forester also said Hancock knowingly resisted and attempted to flee after multiple attempts to arrest.

Hancock is being held in th eBarry County jail on a cash-only bond of $15,000. He has been arraigned, and a bond hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke.