The dumpster fire was called in at 4:45 a.m. on Monday, and the Stockton Fire department crew responded quickly after. While battling the blaze, Max Fortuna was hit by bullets fired by Robert Somerville, 67. Fortuna was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The perpetrator was arrested at the scene and now faces homicide and weapon charges. It is yet unknown if Fortuna and Somerville knew each other.
Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna Was a 21-Year Veteran of the Stockton Fire Department
Mario Gardea from the Stockton Professional Firefighters Union said on Monday that the late Captain Fortuna was an exemplary professional who had enjoyed his job. Stockton Fire Chief Rick Edwards stated that the shooting was his worst nightmare coming true. The decorated fireman leaves behind a wife and two grown children.
The Police Are Trying to Determine the Motive
Joe Silva of the Stockton Police Department said on Monday that investigators are trying to shed some light on the circumstances that led to the crime unheard of in California. At the moment, they don’t have any information about the motive for the shooting or if the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.
This crime has increased the residents’ concerns about safety. The city of Stockton is on the list of the 100 most dangerous cities in the US, and it looks like the situation is not improving.
