JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) — A James City County woman is being charged with punching a firefighter who was responding to an apartment fire, officials say.

Officials with the James City County Fire Department said crews were called to a fire at the Woods of Williamsburg Apartments in the early morning hours of July 15.

A 24-year-old firefighter helping in the response was approached by 41-year-old Ellen Carol West, who allegedly punched the firefighter in the chest, asking, “How much can you handle b***?” 

Officials said the punch was unprovoked.

The firefighter was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries

West was charged with felony assault on a firefighter, and taken to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

Officials said firefighters found fire in several units of one building at the complex. No one was hurt, and the Red Cross was called to help the displaced residents.