Oakland Firefighters Shot In San Jose, 1 Fatally: Police

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA -- San Jose police have arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of murdering one off-duty Oakland firefighter and shooting another on Thursday night in the city's Japantown district. San Jose Police Department spokesman Albert Morales said police identified and located the suspect, San Jose resident Oliver Juinio, a short time after the shooting, which occurred in the 300 block of East Taylor Street at 9:37 p.m.

Juinio will be booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on murder and attempted murder charges, Morales said.

According to Morales, the firefighter who was shot and killed has been identified as 30-year-old Jake Walter. Police said they are still investigating the motive and circumstances behind the shooting, which left another Oakland firefighter in stable condition.

The Oakland Firefighter's International Fire Fighters Local 55 union said on Twitter that at least five firefighters had been out in San Jose when the shooting happened, which they described as "unprovoked." The firefighters who were not injured rendered aid to the two victims, union officials said.

Walter was pronounced dead at the hospital Thursday night, and the other victim was listed in stable condition, police said.

Oakland city officials mourned the loss of Walter, and said on Friday that other off-duty firefighters were at the scene of the shooting, too. In a statement, the city said both victims had been recent graduates of the fire academy, both graduating in the same class on April 22.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones who are grieving from last night's terrible tragedy which claimed the life of one of our Oakland Firefighters and seriously injured another," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement.

"I want to acknowledge the other Oakland firefighters who were on-scene and immediately provided skilled and critical medical attention to their injured colleagues, as well as the San Jose Police and Fire Department and paramedics who responded quickly and worked efficiently to provided critical medical assistance, and promptly began their investigation of the incident. We grieve for our lost colleague and wish the injured firefighter a speedy recovery."

San Jose Police Department spokesman Albert Morales said this morning that the police department stands strongly behind the victims.

Police ask anyone with information on the case to contact detective sergeant John Barg or detective Wayne Smith 408-277-5283. Those wishing to leave anonymous tips can call the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Tip
Line at 408-947-7867.

By Bay City News Service