Feb. 14, 2023 Stockton Firefighter Max Fortuna was shot while extinguishing a dumpster fire last year.
Source Firehouse.com News
The suspect in the shooting death of Stockton firefighter Max Fortuna last year has been found guilty.
Capt. Vidal ‘Max’ Fortuna, 47, was shot in the chest as he and his crew were fighting a dumpster fire last January, according to CBS Sacramento.
Robert Somerville, 68. told police during interrogation that he fired his gun to scare away people he thought were intruders. He continued saying they were no longer warning shots when he aimed in the direction of the noise.
When firefighters saw the blaze beginning to impinge on a nearby business, they attempted to enter the building to extinguish the fire but soon after heard gunshots.
Despite immediate care from his colleagues, the 21-year veteran died at the hospital.
Colleagues said their captain enjoyed coming to work.
Just weeks ago, the fire department posted a tribute to him.