2 Oakland firefighters shot, 1 killed

Gunman attacks off-duty friends on sidewalk outside San Jose brewery

A probationary Oakland firefighter was shot and killed and another was wounded in an attack outside a brewery in San Jose, authorities said Friday. The off-duty firefighters were wearing street clothes and enjoying a night out with colleagues at 9:37 p.m. Thursday when a 27-year-old man opened fire on them outside Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. in San Jose’s Japantown, said Officer Albert Morales, a city police spokesman.

One firefighter, 30-year-old Jake P. Walter, was rushed to a hospital, where he died. A 26-year-old firefighter, whose name was not released, was in stable condition Friday in the intensive care unit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, officials said.

The suspected shooter — identified as Oliver Juinio, 27, of San Jose — fled on foot, but officers quickly located and arrested him, according to police officials. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and is expected to be arraigned Tuesday.

“This was an absolutely random act of violence,” said acting Deputy Fire Chief Melinda Drayton of the Oakland Fire Department.

The two firefighters were among 31 recruits who graduated from the Oakland Fire Department Academy on April 22. They had joined three other firefighters from their academy class for a night out in San Jose

when they were confronted by two or more men on the sidewalk during an event called Taylor Street Night Market, which includes food trucks, entertainment and beer from the brewery , according to police and witnesses.

The gunfire apparently erupted without warning after a brief exchange of words.

“This tragedy has left a somber cloud over the department, and within the hearts of many,” said interim Oakland Fire Chief Darin White. “Our prayers go out to the family. No parent should be in a situation where they see their child pass on before they do.”

A motive for the violence is under investigation, but Drayton said the two victims were wearing nothing to indicate they were Oakland firefighters.

Juinio had a criminal history in Santa Clara County, where he was convicted of burglary and attempted burglary in 2010 and drunken driving in 2015, according to court records.

Walter graduated from Skyline High School, in Oakland, where he was a catcher on the baseball team, which he captained in 2006, the year it won a section title.

Don Ardissone, the Titans’ athletic director and the baseball coach back then, said Walter played baseball at Skyline College, in San Bruno, and then became a paramedic. He returned to his alma mater in 2015 and served as assistant baseball coach for two years until he entered the fire academy.

“He was one of the best, if not our best player, with great leadership qualities, a strong work ethic and he was also a really humble, caring guy,” Ardissone said. “He was just a great influence and example for the kids. It’s a big loss, and it’s just so senseless.”

The shooting victims graduated together from the academy, but had been serving at different stations on a rotating basis during their probationary period, officials said.

“They were going into their fourth month as probationary firefighters,” Drayton said. “They were just classmates out in San Jose. They were just friends going out.”

The three firefighters who were with the victims immediately provided medical aid, including CPR, helping stabilize the wounded man until San Jose paramedics and firefighters arrived.

White, who was up all night visiting the hospital and talking to the victims’ families, said he was optimistic about the recovery chances for the injured firefighter.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones who are grieving from last night’s terrible tragedy,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said. “We grieve for our lost colleague and wish the injured firefighter a speedy recovery.”