Veteran Fire Captain Fatally Shot as Crew Doused Early-Morning Blaze

A California fire captain was fatally shot Monday morning as his crew battled a dumpster fire in Stockton.

Stockton Fire Chief Richard Edwards confirmed that the fire captain, identified as 47-year-old Max Fortuna, died of his injuries.

"I ask you to keep Captain Fortuna's family, and the Stockton Fire Department family, in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," Edwards said at a Monday press conference.

Edwards told reporters Fortuna's crew received a call about a dumpster fire near Route 4 at Aurora and Washington streets at about 4:45 a.m. Gunshots were heard as firefighters were working to extinguish the flames, Edwards said.

After discovering Fortuna had been shot, Edwards said, the crew shifted to providing him with emergency medical services before transporting him to a local hospital.

Officers received word about the shooting shortly after it occurred and located a suspect once they were at the scene, officer Joe Silva, the Stockton Police Department's public information officer, told Sacramento-based news station KOVR earlier Monday.

"When officers arrived, they did locate a person who they believe is responsible for this shooting," Silva told KOVR. That suspect was taken to the police station to be interviewed by detectives, he added.

Stockton Assistant Police Chief Jim Chraska did not provide the name of the person arrested in connection with the shooting but said the suspect was a 67-year-old man whom Edwards said is in police custody. A firearm was found at the scene, Chraska added.

Chraska said police were not looking for any other suspects as of Monday morning but noted that the investigation is ongoing.

Edwards said Fortuna had been working with the Stockton Fire Department for more than 21 years. He had a wife and two grown children, the chief added.

Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln described Fortuna as "one of our heroes" during Monday's press conference.

"This is a sobering reminder of the many sacrifices our firefighters make day in and day out in service to our community," Lincoln said. "His leadership, his commitment to our city, is reflected here by his brothers, his sisters, his community showing relentless support."

Lincoln concluded his remarks by calling upon members of the Stockton community to show "love and support" to the Stockton firefighters and the Fortuna family in the days ahead.