Press release from the Fortuna Police Department:

On Sunday, August 27th 2023 at about 8:30 PM, Fortuna Police Officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Smith Lane for a report of a 17-year old male with a gunshot wound. Officers and emergency medical services arrived on scene and located the 17-year old lying on the ground accompanied by family members. The juvenile suffered what was later determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound and he was transported to a local area hospital for treatment.

Fortuna Detectives spoke with the juvenile at the hospital and obtained verification that he had in fact, accidently shot himself.

As of this morning, Monday, August 28th 2023 at 9 a.m., the juvenile was reported to be in stable condition by medical personnel. The name of the victim is being withheld due to his status as a minor. The 9mm handgun was later located under the juvenile’s mattress with a spent casing jammed in the slide and was seized by investigators. Any questions related to this release of information can be directed to Casey Day, Chief of Police at (707) 725- 7550.