Authorities say the suspect resisted rescuers in freezing waters, prompting a dramatic struggle that left a young firefighter hospitalized for hypothermia
A routine New Year’s Eve water rescue off the coast of Atlantic City took a disturbing and dangerous turn when a man allegedly attempted to stab a firefighter with a screwdriver while being pulled from the freezing ocean, authorities said.
The incident unfolded shortly after noon on Wednesday, December 31, when emergency crews responded to reports of a man in distress in the icy waters near the beach.
Firefighters respond to distress call in freezing conditions
According to the Atlantic City Fire Department, responders arrived to find Christopher Treadway, 31, floating in the water. Although he appeared conscious, officials said he was not actively swimming and appeared unable or unwilling to get himself to safety.
Given the conditions, rookie firefighter Dominic Gitto entered the water using a longboard to reach the man, accompanied by another firefighter.
Rescue turns violent in the water
As the firefighters reached Treadway, authorities say the situation suddenly escalated.
Officials stated that Treadway became startled and began flailing in the water, actively resisting rescue attempts. During the struggle, he allegedly lunged at Firefighter Gitto with a concealed screwdriver, attempting to stab him.
Gitto was able to deflect the attack and maintain control long enough to pull Treadway toward a rescue waverunner operated by fellow responders.
Human chain used to bring man ashore
Despite being attached to a rescue sled behind the waverunner, Treadway reportedly continued to resist, thrashing violently and refusing to cooperate.
According to video obtained by local media, firefighters were ultimately forced to form a human chain in the surf to haul him into shallow water, where additional responders were waiting.
Once closer to shore, officers from the Atlantic City Police Department assisted firefighters in pulling Treadway fully out of the water, even as he continued to struggle.
Officials cite psychiatric episode
Authorities believe Treadway was experiencing a psychiatric episode at the time of the incident.
He was taken into custody on the beach and transported to a psychiatric inpatient unit for evaluation. Police said the screwdriver was recovered during the arrest.
Rookie firefighter hospitalized for hypothermia
While the suspect survived the rescue, the ordeal took a toll on Firefighter Gitto.
Officials said frigid ocean water seeped into his dry suit during the struggle, causing him to suffer acute hypothermia. He was transported for medical treatment following the rescue.
Gitto has only been on the job for a few months.
Fire chief praises “professionalism and personal sacrifice”
Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans commended Gitto’s actions, highlighting the young firefighter’s bravery and composure under extreme circumstances.
“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 praised Gitto’s “professionalism and personal sacrifice,” noting his limited experience on the force.
A local Atlantic City firehouse echoed the sentiment in a social media post, writing that a life was saved because of the responders’ actions.
Criminal charges filed
Treadway now faces multiple charges, including:
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Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
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Possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes
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Resisting arrest
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Obstruction
The case remains under investigation as authorities review the events surrounding the rescue.
A rescue that underscores the risks first responders face
The shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by first responders, even during missions intended to save lives.
What began as a cold-water rescue on New Year’s Eve quickly became a violent confrontation, leaving a rookie firefighter injured—but ultimately preventing a far worse outcome.
