Orlando firefighter accused of aggravated assault after incident at fire station

ORLANDO, Fla. — A 44-year-old Orlando firefighter was in jail Tuesday, facing aggravated assault and battery charges.

Orange County deputies arrested Lateef Williams on a warrant Tuesday.

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Sources tell Channel 9 that another firefighter reported to Orlando police about an incident that happened at a fire station last week.

The Orlando Police Department told Channel 9 that it was contacted Sept. 17 about an incident that happened at Orlando Fire Station 9 on Center Loop.

“The victim alleged that on Sept. 16, 2023, he was involved in an incident inside of the fire station where another member of the Orlando Fire Department put him in fear while holding a knife,” the police department said in an email. “The victim desired prosecution. At the conclusion of the investigation, La Teef Omari Williams was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and simple battery.”

Channel 9 obtained a letter Williams’ supervisor wrote to OFD’s administration Sept. 19.

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According to the letter, there was a conflict between Williams and another firefighter at Station No. 9 on Sept. 16.

The supervisor wrote in the letter that the event has “created an environment that makes myself and other crew members feel unsafe in the work environment.”

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The lieutenant goes on to say that this is the first time in his 10-year career that he has ever felt concerned for his safety at work and that he was no longer comfortable working with or around Williams.

Williams’ supervisor said that in the past, Williams made “questionable and irrational statements” but made it seem like it was a joke.

The supervisor went on to write that it is evident that Williams cannot be trusted and his actions cannot be predicted at this time.

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Williams has worked for OFD since at least December 2020.

The union representing Orlando’s firefighters confirmed Williams is on administrative leave.

OFD said it would not comment because it is an active criminal investigation.

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