Opinion
California firefighter shot dead: Suspect’s family claims he mistook firefighter for burglar
The household of a California man who was arrested in reference to Monday’s taking pictures dying of a hearth captain claims the taking pictures was an accident and never a malicious act.
Stockton Hearth Capt. Vidal “Max” Fortuna, 47, was responding to a dumpster fireplace name round 4:45 a.m. when he was allegedly shot and killed by Robert Somerville, 67, who was later arrested on homicide and weapons fees, FOX 40 of Sacramento reported.
CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTER SHOT AND KILLED WHILE BATTLING FIRE; SUSPECT FACING HOMICIDE AND WEAPONS CHARGES
Somerville’s household launched a press release saying the alleged taking pictures was “not an intentional callous act,” in accordance with the report.
“Phrases alone won’t ever be sufficient to precise the devastation and sorrow that we really feel for Stockton Skilled Firefighter Max Fortuna’s wife and two youngsters,” the household stated, FOX 40 reported. “I can guarantee Firefighter Fortuna’s instant Household, and all who look after Mr. Fortuna that this was not an intentional callous act within the dying of Mr. Fortuna.”
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Within the assertion, the household stated Somerville owns and operates a enterprise close to the place the fireplace occurred and suspected a break-in was occurring.
Cut up picture of firefighter Max Fortuna and accused shooter Robert Somerville
(Stockton Police Division )
“Robert ‘Bob’ Somerville 67 just isn’t a violent particular person and is a long-standing enterprise proprietor (and former engineer) within the Stockton group… 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,” the assertion added.
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Hearth Chief Rick Edwards stated Fortuna, who labored with the fireplace division 21 years, was transported to San Joaquin Normal Hospital, the place he later died, Fox 40 reported.
“Having been a sufferer of fixed tried break-ins, attributable to his enterprise/house being situated in an space plagued with the best focus of homeless people, Mr. Somerville as just lately as 1 week in the past strengthened components of his property so as to add a further layer of safety,” the household continued within the assertion, in accordance with the report. “It’s our understanding that Mr. Somerville believed his property was being burglarized, which led to this horrific chain of tragic occasions.”
A tribute for healthcare staff by firefighters in Wisconsin on Saturday.
(City of Sheboygan Hearth Division)
“We simply ask that the Fortuna Household and public please withhold judgment on the mind-set and intent of Mr. Somerville till the entire information come to mild,” the assertion concluded, FOX 40 reported.
The son of the arrested California enterprise proprietor additionally described the incident as a “freak circumstance,” KOVR-TV of Sacramento reported.
Max Fortuna procession in Stockton, California
(Stockton Police Division)
“I wish to say that you already know my household wish to ship our condolences to the Fortuna household,” Tre Somerville stated Monday, in accordance with the report. “It’s very unlucky what occurred at this time, and it’s only a freak circumstance.”
A .380 caliber handgun was discovered on the scene on the crime, in accordance with Stockton police.
The Stockton fireplace chief described the taking pictures as his “worst nightmare” and stated Monday was “a really, very unhappy day for this hearth division,” in a press release to Fox Information Digital.
