SAIPAN — A roofing inspector conducting an authorized inspection at a private residence along Chalan Galaide on Monday afternoon reported hearing a gunshot from a nearby property and encountered an armed resident, the Department of Public Safety said.
The incident occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. May 11 in Navy Hill, according to preliminary information from DPS.
The inspector reported observing a local male individual wearing a navy blue dri-fit shirt with the wording “Fuels Team” on the back, holding a semi-automatic handgun with a gray slide, DPS said.
The individual shouted remarks questioning the inspector’s presence and authority on the property while the inspector attempted to explain that he was conducting an official inspection under a signed Right of Entry for Temporary Roof Repairs form, the department said.
The inspector left the area without further incident. While exiting the vicinity, the homeowner of the inspected property approached the inspector and apologized for the situation, DPS said.
Officers later interviewed the inspector at a separate location. Officers then responded to a residence along Chalan Galaide where a semi-automatic handgun believed to be involved in the incident was recovered.
The resident of that property told investigators that due to concerns over recent burglary and theft incidents in the area, he believed there may have been suspicious activity near the residence, DPS said. The resident stated that he discharged one warning shot in an attempt to alert or deter the perceived threat and emphasized that he did not intend to cause harm to anyone.
The incident remains under active investigation. No charges or names have been released.