New Jersey Man Attempts to Stab Firefighter During Rescue

A man from New Jersey made headlines after he bizarrely tried to stab a firefighter with a screwdriver while being rescued from rough waters near Atlantic City on New Year’s Eve, officials have reported.

Shortly after noon on Wednesday, the Atlantic City Department of Public Safety received calls about a man in distress in the icy waters. Firefighters quickly responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, they discovered 31-year-old Christopher Treadway floating in the freezing water. Although he was conscious, he wasn’t actively swimming. Rookie firefighter Dominic Gitto made his way out on a longboard to reach him, as indicated by a department spokesperson.

When Gitto and another firefighter approached, Treadway appeared startled and began to struggle in the water. He twisted and attempted to resist before lunging at Gitto with a concealed screwdriver, the spokesperson recounted.

Gitto was able to deflect Treadway’s alleged attack and managed to drag him towards a rescue team on a Wave Runner. Despite being attached to a rescue sled, Treadway continued to resist their efforts, leading first responders to form a human chain to pull him into shallower water, as shown in video footage.

Once they reached the shore, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department and firefighters pulled him out, but Treadway kept thrashing around.

Authorities suspect that Treadway was experiencing a psychotic episode while adrift. He was taken into custody on the beach and subsequently admitted to a psychiatric unit for evaluation.

Meanwhile, Gitto faced his own struggles. During the rescue, cold water infiltrated his dry suit, resulting in treatment for acute hypothermia.

Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans commended Gitto for his “professionalism and personal sacrifice,” especially considering his few months of experience.

“Our firefighters are trained for dangerous situations, including cold water rescues, and this incident underscores the necessity of that training and teamwork,” he stated.

The Atlantic City Fire Department expressed their appreciation for the efforts of Firefighter Gitto and the entire team, affirming that lives were undoubtedly saved.

Treadway now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, resisting arrest, and obstruction.