NEWARK - A veteran city firefighter was arrested after a fight with a co-worker ended in gunfire late Tuesday night, according to authorities.
Gamil Haidara, 42, has been suspended without pay after being charged with multiple weapons offenses, including discharging a firearm, following the dispute at the Clifton Avenue home.
According to Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, police were called to the home around 10:30 p.m.
After they arrived, the 42-year-old victim, also a Newark firefighter who lives in the same building, told them the two were arguing when Haidara pulled a gun and threatened him. He ran downstairs into his own home, while Haidara gave chase and allegedly fired a single shot through the victim's door.
Minutes later, two officers were riding through the area when they spotted Haidara running down the street, the gun still in his hand, according to Ambrose. He complied with orders to stop and drop the gun, and was taken to University Hospital with what authorities called "unspecified symptoms."
In a statement, Ambrose said Haidara was immediately suspended after the allegations came to light.
"I will not tolerate wrongdoing on the part of any member of the Department of Public Safety," he said. "When one of my employees acts improperly, they can expect swift disciplinary actions to be taken."
According to state pension records, Haidara joined the fire department in 2008, and earns an annual salary of $103,592.
Newark Firefighters Union President Chuck West said he had yet to be apprised of the charges against Haidara and declined comment.
The fire department's Arson Unit has opened an investigation into potential violations of department standards, Ambrose said. A criminal probe into the incident also remains active.
Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact the Newark Police Department's 24-hour confidential tip line at (877) NWK-TIPS (877-695-8477) or NWK-GUNS (877-695-4867).
Dan Ivers may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.