San Francisco Firefighter Accused of Assaulting Fellow Firefighter With a Hydrant Wrench

Posted by: Curt Varone May 22, 2022 0

A San Francisco firefighter has been charged with felony assault for attacking a colleague at the colleague’s home with a fire department tool. Robert Muhammad, 47, is accused of attacking fellow firefighter Gabriel Shin, 56, with device referred within the SFFD as a large brass spanner. It is used to open hydrants and as a spanner wrench.

Shin suffered a broken arm, concussion and contusions in the assault. The men have known each other for over 20 years. Muhammad reportedly went to the firehouse; obtained Shin’s home address and the large brass spanner; and went to Shin’s house to confront him.

According to ABC7 News, the department had been aware of concerns about Muhammad’s behavior for some time. He is facing a number of charges including assault with a deadly weapon.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 40 years of fire service experience and 30 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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