by Atlantic City, New Jersey — A New Jersey man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he attempted to stab a rookie firefighter with a screwdriver while being rescued from freezing, rough waters off the coast of Atlantic City on New Year’s Eve.
Officials said the incident unfolded during what began as a routine water rescue call, quickly escalating into a dangerous confrontation that put first responders at serious risk.
Firefighters respond to distress call in frigid waters
According to the Atlantic City Public Safety Office, firefighters were dispatched shortly after noon Wednesday to reports of a man in distress in the ocean near an Atlantic City beach.
When crews arrived, they spotted 31-year-old Christopher Treadway floating in the cold water. Officials said he appeared conscious but was not actively swimming, raising concerns that he could quickly lose strength or consciousness due to the near-freezing conditions.
Rookie firefighter enters water to assist
Rookie firefighter Dominic Gitto, who has only a few months of experience, entered the water using a longboard to reach Treadway. Another firefighter accompanied him as they approached the man drifting offshore.
Authorities said Treadway appeared startled when the firefighters reached him. He began thrashing and resisting, making the rescue increasingly difficult as waves and cold conditions complicated efforts.
Suspect allegedly lunges with concealed screwdriver
As firefighters attempted to stabilize him, officials say Treadway suddenly lunged at Gitto with a concealed screwdriver, attempting to stab the firefighter during the rescue.
A spokesperson said Gitto was able to deflect the alleged attack and prevent serious injury. Despite continued resistance, firefighters managed to move Treadway toward a waverunner equipped with a rescue sled.
Chaotic rescue ends with human chain
Treadway continued to fight rescue efforts, forcing firefighters to change tactics. According to officials and video from the scene, responders formed a human chain and pulled him into shallow water.
Once closer to shore, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department assisted firefighters in pulling Treadway from the surf, even as he continued to struggle.
Psychiatric episode suspected
Authorities believe Treadway was experiencing a psychiatric episode at the time of the incident. He was taken into custody on the beach and later admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for evaluation, according to local reporting.
Officials emphasized that the focus at the scene was first on saving a life, even as the situation turned volatile.
Firefighter treated for hypothermia
While Gitto escaped serious injury from the alleged attack, the rescue took a physical toll. Officials said frigid water seeped into his dry suit, causing him to suffer acute hypothermia. He was treated following the rescue.
Fire officials noted that cold-water rescues are among the most dangerous calls firefighters face, particularly during winter months.
Fire chief praises rookie’s actions
Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans praised Gitto’s composure and bravery under extreme conditions.
“Our firefighters are trained to handle hazardous situations, including cold-water rescues, and this incident underscores the importance of that training and teamwork,” Evans said.
He also highlighted Gitto’s limited time on the job, calling his actions an example of professionalism and sacrifice.
A local Atlantic City firehouse echoed that sentiment in a Facebook post, writing:
“Great work by Firefighter Gitto, and all companies involved. A life was definitely saved.”
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Multiple felony charges filed
Treadway now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes
- Resisting arrest
- Obstruction
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as court proceedings move forward.
Incident highlights risks faced by first responders
The New Year’s Eve rescue serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers firefighters and police officers face — even during calls intended to save lives.
Authorities praised the coordination between fire and police crews, noting that the outcome could have been far worse without quick thinking and teamwork.
Should more mental health crisis resources be integrated into emergency response calls like this?
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