The former volunteer firefighter who was arrested for vandalizing a Philadelphia fire truck during the Phillies World Series victory celebrations saw his first day in court Tuesday.
Robert Smith’s preliminary hearing was held at 8 a.m. in a courtroom at 11th and Wharton Streets in South Philly.
There were no fireworks though, just a new court date for his actual hearing. It is scheduled for January 7, 2009 at 8 a.m.
Smith of Clifton Heights, Delaware County was identified in a video posted on YouTube damaging the brand-new ladder truck, according to Philadelphia Police.
A crowd of 200 people overtook the truck while it was traveling down South Broad Street near Samsom Street responding to a call of people trapped in an elevator.
In addition to being identified in the video, firemen found Smith’s wallet in the back of the truck after the crowd dispersed.
Smith was a volunteer fireman at the Primos-Secane-Westbrook Fire Company in Secane, Delaware County.
The fire company’s board suspended Smith pending the outcome of his trial. If Smith is found guilty, he will be permanently be expelled from the company.
Fire officials estimate the ladder truck sustained up to $10,000 in damage. A reserve unit has replaced the truck while repairs are made.
