NYC firefighter shot; gunman killed after standoff on Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A high-ranking member of the Bloods street gang shot a firefighter responding to a call of smoke at a Staten Island home Friday. The suspect was killed in a gunfight with police after a six-hour standoff.

The suspect was discovered dead following the shootout with police just before 11:45 a.m. ET after multiple gun shots and flash grenades were detonated. The cause of death will be determined by forensics. Police conducted a protective sweep of the apartment for possible bombs or other devices, but found none. The building was deemed safe.

The New York City Police Department identified the suspect as 38-year-old Garland Tyree. They said they spoke with him, that he was armed with at least an assault rifle, and that they had contacted family members in an effort to end the standoff.

Tyree was believed to be alone in a basement apartment. Police said he has 18 prior arrests and has been on probation since last summer. NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said he was identified in a city database as member of 93K Bloods gang member.

Federal marshals were trying to serve a warrant for a probation violation at the home on Destiny Court at 6 a.m. They saw smoke coming from the home and called the fire department.

New York City Fire Department Lt. James Hayes, 53, went inside to respond to the smoke and spoke apparently to Tyree, who then stopped communicating. Hayes went inside to find him and was shot twice, said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro. Hayes was able to turn around, went past the bathroom where Tyree was hiding and Tyree fired again, said Nigro. Those shots missed Hayes.

Hayes was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to his left calf and right buttock. He was taken to Richmond University Medical Center, where he was in serious but stable condition.

"It's been 21 years since one of our members was shot in the line of duty," said Nigro.

Hayes lives on Staten Island and has four brothers in the department. He has been with the FDNY for 31 years.

FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro held a news conference on the wounded firefighter: