The Department of Public Safety is investigating a reported firearm discharge Monday afternoon in Navy Hill after a roofing inspector said a nearby resident fired a gun while questioning his presence in the area.
According to DPS, the incident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. along Chalan Galaide, where an inspector conducting an authorized roof assessment reported hearing a gunshot from an adjacent property. The inspector told officers he then saw a local man wearing a navy blue dri‑fit shirt with the words “Fuels Team” on the back and holding a semi‑automatic handgun with a gray slide.
The inspector said the man shouted at him and questioned his authority to be on the property. The inspector explained he was conducting an official inspection under a signed Right of Entry for Temporary Roof Repairs form before leaving the area without further confrontation. As he departed, the homeowner of the inspected residence reportedly approached him and apologized for the incident.
Officers later interviewed the inspector at a separate location and responded to a residence along Chalan Galaide, where they recovered a semi‑automatic handgun believed to have been used in the incident.
The resident told investigators he fired a single warning shot because he believed suspicious activity was occurring near his home, citing recent burglary and theft concerns in the neighborhood. He said he did not intend to harm anyone.
DPS said the case remains under active investigation.
No other incidents involving gunfire directed at recovery personnel have been reported.
When asked about the matter, Federal Emergency Management Agency External Affairs Officer Veronica Verde said FEMA is aware of the reported incident involving a FEMA employee in Saipan.
“The safety and security of our personnel and the community remains a top priority. FEMA is coordinating closely with local authorities,” Verde said. She referred additional questions to local law enforcement.
