The bitter war between cops and smoke-eaters escalated again yesterday as a veteran Brooklyn firefighter cursed and fought police when they busted him for allegedly running an illegal social club.
Anthony Primus, 37, was led off in handcuffs at 2:15 a.m. after cops raided the basement of a building he owns at 230 Utica Ave., Crown Heights, for violating a court order to vacate the premises.
Law enforcement sources said the firefighter, an eight-year vet with Engine Co. 211, 31st Battalion, started hurling profanities as they tried to arrest him and struggled with them.
"I'm gonna kick your ass if you take these cuffs off me!" Primus screamed, the sources said.
Then, as they brought him into the 77th Precinct stationhouse, Primus launched into another tirade, this time threatening Commanding Officer James O'Connell and a lieutenant, according to the sources.
Primus was further charged with the unlicensed storing of liquor, resisting arrest and menacing.
Primus owns the building, but doesn't live there. It also contains a storefront salon and two apartments.
But sources said he keeps a pool table, music system and booze in the basement.
His wife, Denise Thomas, claimed last night that police have been out to get her husband because of their hatred of firefighters.
"He doesn't run a social club. They just harass him for no reason," said Thomas, 37.
"Forty of them came down his stairs three weeks ago and couldn't find anything, but they charged him for having a city garbage can.
"Then last night, they just came out of nowhere. I know police officers and firefighters don't get along, but they had no proof. And he was in the basement by himself."
She said police seized two computers and other items from the basement.
Leon Banks, who owns a tailor shop nearby, told The Post that Primus was a "nice guy" who had his friends and fellow firefighters over from time to time, but insisted, "he didn't run a social club."
"He loves to play a little music, but he doesn't sell any alcohol. It would just look like a club. He'd say, 'Come have a drink with me,' " Banks said.
