Stockton is mourning the death of one of its firefighters who was shot and killed Monday while responding to a dumpster fire. Capt. Max Fortuna was a 21-year veteran of the department.
The Stockton Fire Department says it received a call around 4:45 a.m. about a dumpster fire in the area of Washington and Aurora Streets.
“Engine 2 arrived on the scene a short time later and found a dumpster fire impinging on a structure. As firefighters were extinguishing the fire, gunshots were heard, and the Fire Captain of Engine 2 had been struck. Firefighters quickly transitioned to providing EMS care and transported [Fortuna] to the hospital,” Chief Richard Edwards said.
“I’m devastated to report that Veteran Fire Captain Max Fortuna has succumbed to his injuries. Captain Fortuna served the City of Stockton for 21 years and leaves behind a wife and two grown children. I ask you to keep Captain Fortuna’s family and the Stockton Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Police have arrested Robert Somerville, 67, on homicide and weapons charges. They have not provided a possible motive, but his family has issued a statement saying they believe Capt. Fortuna’s death was an accidental killing.
”Having been a victim of constant attempted break-ins, due to his business/home being located in an area plagued with the highest concentration of homeless individuals, Mr. Somerville as recently as 1 week ago reinforced parts of his property to add an additional layer of security. It is our understanding that Mr. Somerville believed his property was being burglarized, which led to this horrific chain of events,” the statement said.
The family asked that the Fortuna family and the public withhold judgment until all the facts come out.