JESSE ROGERS
ABC Action News
Reprinted with Permission

TAMPA - Tampa Fire and Rescue responded late Monday night to a house fire at 2204 E. Chipco Street in Tampa to find a man trapped behind burglar bars and unable to escape.


34-year-old Hazziz Crawford was heating grease on the stove when he fell asleep. He woke up to a house filled with smoke and the kitchen on fire, according to a Fire Rescue spokesman.

Crawford fought through the smoke and made his way to the front door, but was unable to find the keys to the burglar bars.

TPD officer Corporal Eric Wilkinson was first on scene and found Crawford trapped. Officer Wilkinson grabbed an axe from the trunk of his patrol car and hacked at the locks on the bars.

The officer was able to break one of two locks before his axe handle broke. He waited on the porch, reassuring Crawford help would arrive soon as sirens were heard in the distance.

When crews arrived, firefighter Jason Luna grabbed a pry bar and broke the bars from the window, freeing Crawford from smoke and flames.

TFR spokesman Capt. Bill Wade said after Crawford was pulled from the home he had trouble breathing, suffered minor burns and could hardly walk. He was checked out and taken to St. Joseph's Hospital.

There were no other injuries.

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