San Francisco Assault Case Back in the News

Posted by: Curt Varone June 16, 2024 2 Comments

The vicious assault of a San Francisco firefighter by a colleague is back in the headlines as a Bay Areas news affiliate is asking why was the victim forced out of the department, and the perpetrator is still on the payroll.

ABC7 News interviewed firefighter Gabriel Shin, who was attacked back in 2022 by firefighter Robert Muhammad. Muhammad beat Shin with a large brass spanner referred to as a hydrant spanner that he took from the firehouse. Shin suffered a broken arm, concussion and contusions in the assault, and might have suffered further injuries had a neighbor with a handgun not stepped in.

Muhammad was reportedly upset that others were talking about him. He went to the firehouse; obtained Shin’s home address and the hydrant spanner; and went to Shin’s house to confront him. Shin is suing the city, Muhammad, the fire chief, two other chief officers, and two company officers.

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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