(KTXL) — Tuesday marked one yr since Stockton hearth captain Vidal “Max” Fortuna was fatally shot whereas responding to a hearth.
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln and Stockton Firefighters Native 456 took to social media to recollect the fallen firefighter.
“We’ll always remember you, Captain Max Fortuna,” Lincoln tweeted.
“On January thirty first, 2022, our beloved good friend was taken from us,” Stockton Hearth tweeted. “There has not been a day that has passed by that we don’t miss you dearly. We love you, Max.”
On Jan. 31, 2022, firefighters have been referred to as to a dumpster hearth round 4:45 a.m. within the space of Aurora Road South and Washington Road. Once they arrived on the space, firefighters seen flames have been beginning to impression a close-by construction.
In response to Hearth Chief Rick Edwards, gunshots rang out and firefighters rushed to assist Fortuna.
Fortuna was rushed to San Joaquin Basic, the place metropolis leaders stated he died.
He was 67 years previous and left behind a spouse and two grownup youngsters.
Fortuna was additionally a 21-year-old veteran of the fireplace division.
A web based fundraiser was arrange for the Fortuna household, which raised $230,686.
Honoring a fallen firefighter
As Fortuna’s physique was transported from the hospital, an extended line of fireplace vans flashed their emergency lights in honor of the fallen firefighter. Dozens of regulation enforcement and firefighters from neighboring cities confirmed their assist as properly by making their Stockton.
A second procession was held when Fortuna’s physique was being transported from the coroner’s workplace to the Casa Bonita Funeral Dwelling.
The San Francisco Giants honored Fortuna throughout its July 14, 2022 residence sport towards the Milwaukee Brewers throughout its annual Firefighter Appreciation night time.
Becky Fortuna, Max Fortuna’s spouse of 25 years, threw the sport’s first pitch. In accordance Native 456, Max Fortuna was an avid Giants fan.
What has occurred to the suspect?
Stockton law enforcement officials responded quickly after the capturing and detained a 67-year-old man, who was later recognized by police as Robert Somerville.
Police stated they discovered a handgun on the scene.
He was booked into San Joaquin County Jail on murder and weapons expenses.
On Feb. 2, 2022, Somerville was organized on homicide and weapons expenses related to the loss of life of Fortuna. Somerville remains to be in custody on the San Joaquin County Jail and is about to look in courtroom on Wednesday at 9 a.m., in response to jail data.
The household of Somerville stated the incident was “not an intentional callous act,” in response to a press release.
In response to the household’s assertion, the 67-year-old lived and operated a enterprise at a warehouse within the space the place he allegedly shot Fortuna.
Phrases alone won’t ever be sufficient to precise the devastation and sorrow that we really feel for Stockton Skilled Firefighter Max Fortuna’s spouse and two youngsters. I can guarantee Firefighter Fortuna’s quick Household, and all who look after Mr. Fortuna that this was not an intentional callous act within the loss of life of Mr. Fortuna.
Robert “Bob” Somerville 67 shouldn’t be a violent particular person and is a long-standing enterprise proprietor (and former engineer) within the Stockton neighborhood… for over 30 years. He operates his enterprise, and resides within the warehouse that was adjoining to the place the fireplace occurred at 5:00am this morning.
Having been a sufferer of fixed tried break-ins, as a result of his enterprise/residence being positioned in an space plagued with the best focus of homeless people, Mr. Somerville as just lately as 1 week in the past bolstered elements of his property so as to add an extra layer of safety. It’s our understanding that Mr. Somerville believed his property was being burglarized, which led to this horrific chain of tragic occasions.
We simply ask that the Fortuna Household and public please withhold judgment on the mind-set and intent of Mr. Somerville till all the info come to gentle.
Household of Robert Somerville
