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A Chicago man was arrested and charged with aggravated battery after he attempted to save his dog from his burning home last week.

Samuel Lee Bassett, 48, was also charged with resisting a police officer — Bassett reportedly got into an altercation with police as he tried to run back into the home to save the dog. Sadly, the dog died.

“They kept trying to keep him out of the building ’cause it was unsafe for him to go in,” Deputy Fire Commissioner Mark Nielsen told the Chicago Tribune. “He wanted to go in.”

Bassett, an Air Force veteran who works as a lighting designer, was held on $300,000 bond and was told by the bond judge, “You should have more respect for police officers,” according to the Tribune.

Officials say the fire broke out when combustible material in an enclosed area ignited spontaneously. Foul play is not suspected.

Three firefighters who suffered minor injuries battling the blaze were taken to area hospitals. All three are in good condition.

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune, The Root | PHOTO CREDIT: Screengrab