A Palm Beach County firefighter is facing charges of petit theft and battery after a familial dispute turned physical in Miami, according to police reports. Nicholas Fuenzalida, 42, a firefighter since 2016, was entangled in an altercation at a residence on the 10100 block of Southwest Second Court, as per CBS News Miami.
The incident occurred around 4:40 p.m., when Gwen Fuenzalida alleged her brother became irate during an argument and forcibly took an envelope full of cash from her purse. Telling officers during the heated dispute the struggle ensued, she tried to retrieve the envelope. Fuenzalida then attempted to leave the scene, WSVN reported, mentioning the victim's statement.
Nicholas Fuenzalida was taken to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center following the incident. There, he refused to provide a statement to law enforcement. He was ordered by a judge during his first court appearance to stay away from his sister and to surrender all firearms. His bond was set at $1,150.
Currently, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has not commented on the status of Fuenzalida with the agency, being taken into custody with the victim positively identifying him when the police arrived. Details, including his residence, have been redacted in the jail and arrest report. Information has yet to emerge from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue in response to the inquiry made by CBS News Miami.
