Press release from the Fortuna Police Department:

On Saturday September 3, 2022 at about 11:43 P.M. Fortuna Officers received multiple reports of an active shooter at an event taking place at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial building in the 1400 block of Main Street.

Officers arrived on scene and encountered several subjects outside the building, who related that the alleged suspect had fled the area on foot and was last seen headed westbound. Initial responding officers were able to determine that the suspect had fled and there were no injured persons on scene. While officers were canvasing the area officers received a report that subjects heard yelling for help in the area of 9th and O Street. In the area of 9th and O Street officers located two intoxicated 16 year old juveniles, one of which was stuck in heavy brush. The juveniles were arrested, found to be intoxicated with no injuries and they were not in possession of a firearm.

Further investigation revealed that the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building had been rented out for a private event and the two intoxicated arrested juveniles had been at the event. Persons at the event told the intoxicated juveniles to leave the private event. One of the juveniles allegedly became upset that they were told to leave and they threatened to kill the person. As the juvenile was leaving the event after making the threat they claimed to be in possession of a firearm, which caused panic and multiple reports to law enforcement. No witnesses were located that allegedly observed a firearm and there were no signs of a firearm being discharged. Persons on scene identified one of the intoxicated juveniles officers had in custody as the juvenile who made the threat.

A 16-year-old juvenile was arrested for 647(f) PC, Public Intoxication and 422 PC, Threats. Officers attempted to gain clearance for booking the Juvenile into Juvenile Hall and they were refused by Juvenile Probation. The juvenile was cited and released to a guardian.

A 16-year-old juvenile was arrested for 647(f) PC, Public Intoxication, cited and released to a guardian. The Fortuna Police Department would like to thank our allied agencies, Rio Dell Police Department, Ferndale Police Department and The California Highway Patrol for their response and aid during this investigation.

The Fortuna Police Department remains committed to public safety and transparency.