The latest: Monday, January 31
11:05
During a news conference, Stockton leaders confirmed that the firefighter shot Monday morning, identified as Capt. Max Fortuna, 47, died after being shot while responding to a fire.
According to Fire Chief Rick Edwards, firefighters were called to a burning dumpster around 4:45 a.m. in the area of Aurora Street South and Washington Street. When they arrived at the area, they noticed the flames starting to impact a nearby structure.
See the full press conference on Captain Max Fortuna here.
Chief Edwards said that at one point shots were heard and firefighters rushed to help Capt. Fortuna.
He was taken to a local hospital, where city leaders said he died.
Acting Police Chief Jim Chraska said officers responded shortly after the shooting and took a 67-year-old man into custody. A firearm was also found at the scene.
The fire chief said Fortuna had been a firefighter for more than 21 years. He leaves behind a wife and two adult children.
Original story below:
STOCKTON, Calif. (KTXL) – Stockton police say a firefighter was shot Monday morning while he was responding to a fire. One person has been arrested.
The shooting happened around 5 a.m. in the area of Aurora Street South and Washington Street, just below the 4 Freeway, police said.
The firefighter was hospitalized, but police have not released his name or condition.
Stockton police officers are questioning a man they believe may be responsible for the shooting. He has not been identified.
“Hearing a firefighter get shot here in the city of Stockton is something I have never seen in all my years as a police officer here,” said Joe Silva of the Stockton Police Department. “So at this time, our prayers are with that firefighter and his family, along with all members of our fire department.”
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln responded to the news on Twitter.
“Please join me in praying for our firefighter, family, our community, and all of our public safety personnel.” the mayor wrote.
Mayor Lincoln will join City Manager Harry Black, Fire Chief Rick Edwards, Stockton Firefighters Union Local 456 President and Acting Police Chief Jim Chraska for a press conference on the shooting at 11 a.m.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
fox40.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism