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Stockton Fire Department captain die after being shot at the scene of a fire, California, US
A captain in the Stockton Fire Department in California in the US has died after a man shot him at the scene of a fire, officials announced at a news conference Monday, 31 January 2022. Captain Max Fortuna and other fire fighters responded to a dumpster fire early Monday, Stockton Fire Department Chief Rick Edwards said. The Engine 2 crew was fighting the fire when they heard gunshots. "Fire fighters quickly transitioned to provide EMS care for their fallen brother and transported him to the local hospital," Chief Edwards said, adding that he was devastated over Fortuna's death. "This is my worst nightmare as the fire chief," Edwards said. "This is a very, very sad day as a fire department."
Captain Fortuna, age 47, spent more than 21 years with the department and is survived by his wife and two grown children, Chief Edwards said. "Max was a fire fighter who showed up every day and never complained about being on the job. Don't really know too many other fire fighters who enjoyed the job as much as him," remembered Stockton Firefighters 456 Union President Mario Gardea. "It's a tragic day. It hasn't set In. Max was always considered a legacy fire fighter and he's going to be missed." The suspect, Robert Somerville, age 67, was arrested Monday and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on homicide and weapons charges, the Stockton Police Department said. “Police officers responded and detained a 67-year-old man, Stockton interim Police Chief Jim Chraska said. Located at the scene was a .380-caliber handgun. The shooting remains an ongoing investigation. Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln said Fortuna was a hero. "This is a sobering reminder of the many sacrifices our fire fighters make day in and day out in service to our community," he said. Stockton is about 50 miles south of Sacramento, in California's Central Valley. It has a population of about 320 000, according to the US Census Bureau. Sources: CNN |
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