Hall County sheriff’s investigators have charged a Gainesville man with two counts of aggravated assault after a house fire earlier this month on Spring Street in New Holland that led to a violent confrontation inside the burning home.
Deputies responded around 1:00 p.m. July 3 to the residence to assist Hall County Fire Rescue. A 67‑year‑old woman and a 47‑year‑old male relative told deputies an assault occurred shortly after the fire began.
According to investigators, Billy Ray Fisher, 67, emerged from the burning home holding a large set of shears and chased a 13‑year‑old boy who lived at the residence, threatening to kill him. The child was not injured. Fisher had reportedly been staying at the home since the previous day.
Authorities said the boy’s father went back inside the burning house to retrieve a phone when Fisher chased him as well. The two struggled until Fisher relinquished the shears. The father suffered scratches to his back before escaping.
Hall County Fire Rescue later pulled Fisher from the home and transported him to a hospital for treatment.
HCSO investigators obtained warrants charging Fisher with two felony counts of aggravated assault. Fire officials also filed charges related to the incident. Fisher turned himself in at the Hall County Jail Wednesday and is being held without bond.