DC Firefighters Charged With Assault Over April Altercation

Two District of Columbia firefighters who were caught on video punching and kicking a man at the scene of a motor vehicle accident, are now facing criminal charges. Lieutenant Sean Sinon, 48, and Firefighter Reden Ecleo, 21, have been charged with assault.

The incident occurred on the evening of April 25, 2023 in Northwest DC. The man was reportedly acting “aggressively” toward personnel, prompting several members to engage him. WTOP news cited a police report stating the 43-year old man was “irate” and struck Lt. Sinon first. The department initially suspended six members. Here is news coverage of the original incident.

Lt. Sinon and FF Ecleo were arraigned today in D.C. Superior Court. Here is a video of the firefighters turning themselves in, with the support of their fellow firefighters.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 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, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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