Family members of the suspect insist that it was a mistake.

California's veteran firefighter lost his life fighting a dumpster fire.

Stockton Fire Department Captain Vidal "Max", Fortuna was killed while trying to extinguish a fire from a building on Monday morning at 4:45 AM.

His fellow workers tried to help him and rushed him to the hospital but he couldn't be saved.

The father-of-2 was a married father of two and had been with the department for 21 year.

Within 15 minutes, police arrived at the scene and arrested Robert Somerville (67), and recovered a.380 calibre handgun. He was charged with homicide as well as weapons.

Robert Somerville (67) was arrested by detectives in connection with the shooting death Stockton Fire Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna. Somerville was arrested and taken to the San Joaquin County Jail for homicide as well as weapons charges. A.380 caliber handgun was found at the scene. pic.twitter.com/XNDjnbP8ec

Stockton Police Department (@StocktonPolice), February 1, 2022

Investigators have yet to reveal a motive.

Mario Gardea, President of Stockton Firefighters 456 Union, said that Max was a firefighter who showed up every day and never complained. "I don’t know any other firefighters who love their job as much like Max."

Mayor Kevin Lincoln asked for prayers for Captain Fortuna and his family.

While his fellow firefighters formed a guard of honor, his coworkers drove slowly through the city in search for his last call. Nine other fire departments offered to respond to Stockton Fire Department’s calls while they were in mourning.

Emcee for the Fallen Stockton Fire Captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna in Downtown Stockton. You will be missed Captain. #InTheLineOfDuty pic.twitter.com/l41B44YJei

Stockton Police Dept (@StocktonPolice), January 31, 2022

Governor Gavin Newsom joined the condolences.

He said, "Jennifer & I send our deepest condolences Captain Fortuna’s family, friends, and colleagues as they mourn this tragic loss." "His many decades of service to Stockton will never be forgotten. They will serve as a lasting reminder of how grateful we are to the fire department of our state for their unselfish acts of kindness and support in times of crisis."

A fundraiser was set up to support the family of the fallen firefighter. It raised over $74k.

The family of the suspect, a food truck owner, claims that the shooting was an accident and Somerville misunderstood.

Tre, Tre's son, stated to CBS13 that he wanted to express his condolences. "It's extremely unfortunate that this happened today, but it's only a freak circumstance."

"My father has no violent past or similar. He is a true community man.

A statement was also issued by the family:

"Words will not be sufficient to express our grief and sadness for Max Fortuna, Stockton Professional Firefighter. Firefighter Fortuna's immediate family and all those who care for him can rest assured that this was not an act of cruelty in the passing of Mr. Fortuna."

Robert 'Bob’ Somerville, 67, isn't violent and has been a Stockton business owner (and engineer) for more than 30 years. He runs his business and lives in the warehouse where the fire broke out at 5:00 AM this morning.

"Having suffered constant attempted break-ins due to his home/business being in an area with the highest number of homeless people, Mr. Somerville reinforced certain parts of his property as recently as one week ago to add additional security. We believe that Mr. Somerville believed that his property was being burgled, which lead to this horrible chain of events.

"We ask that the Fortuna Family, and the public, refrain from judging Mr. Somerville's state of mind or intent until all facts are known."

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Title: Cali Firefighter Shot Dead Putting Out Dumpster Fire
Sourced From: toofab.com/2022/02/01/cali-firefighter-shot-dead-putting-out-dumpster-fire/
Published Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2022 23:44:14 +0000

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