NJ Firefighter Injured in Stabbing During New Year’s Eve Rescue

After attempting to stab his rescuers with a screwdriver, Christopher Treadway is facing multiple counts. (Police Department of Atlantic City)

NJ Firefighter Injured in Stabbing During New Year's Eve Rescue

On Wednesday afternoon, emergency responders from the Atlantic City Police Department and Fire Department responded to a report of a man in danger in the water. Around 12:30 p.m., the event happened off the jetty close to Rhode Island Avenue Beach.

When firefighters arrived, they saw an adult male floating past the jetty. This individual was eventually identified as Christopher Treadway, 31, of Mays Landing.

Dominic Gitto, a rookie firefighter, used a rescue longboard to get into the water and reach the Treadway. According to officials, Treadway resisted touch and attempted to stab Gitto with a concealed screwdriver during the rescue attempt.

Despite the Treadway's "aggressive behavior," Gitto was able to effectively deflect the weapon and carry out rescue operations, according to police.

Treadway's persistent resistance slowed down many attempts to secure him into a rescue sled. In the end, responders created a chain to drag him into shallow water, where he was aggressive once more, according to police.

Treadway was subdued and taken into custody by police. After receiving medical attention from Emergency Medical Services, he was admitted to a psychiatric inpatient ward for assessment.

Treadway is accused with resisting arrest, obstruction, possession of a firearm for illegal purposes, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.