A high ranking official with the Guam Fire Department is in the spotlight after he allegedly attacked his boss.

The incident unfolded inside Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas’ office at the Hagatna headquarters on Thursday.

The target of the alleged attack was the Chief himself. An interview with San Nicolas said, 

KUAM: We heard that there was an incident here involving you and one of your Assistant Fire Chiefs. That person was arrested. Is that person on the job? 

Fire Chief Joey San Nicolas: I will acknowledge that an incident did occur. It has been immediately taken to Office of Staff Inspector and is under investigation. Anything beyond that, I will provide no comment at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation. 

KUAM: Can you say if that personnel is on duty or has been placed on leave? 

San Nicolas: I’ll just say no comment. 

The Fire Chief declined to release any details into what sparked the incident.

KUAM confirmed it was reported to Guam police.

 

Battalion Chief Thomas Tedtaotao, who is listed on the GFD website as the Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Marshal, now finds himself in hot water.

Sources said following the incident, Tedtaotao went to the Tumon Police Precinct to report that Chief San Nicolas allegedly assaulted him.

Similarly, officers at Central Precinct Command in Sinajana got a complaint from Chief San Nicolas that Tedtaotao allegedly assaulted him.

A witness also allegedly told police Tedtaotao was the aggressor.

Police noted at the time San Nicolas had visible injuries. That's when Tedtaotao was arrested on suspicion of assault and official misconduct.

He was booked and released from custody.

KUAM reached out to Tedtaotao for comment.

Meantime, it’s unclear if Tedtaotao will be placed on leave as the fire department investigation gets underway.