Firefighter Shot Responding To House Blaze

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California Firefighter Shot Responding To House Blaze; Homeowner Allegedly Mistook Him For Burglar

CHINO, Calif. (AP) -- A firefighter responding to an emergency call was shot in the leg Friday night by a man authorities say apparently mistook him for a burglar.  

The firefighter, whose name was not released, was listed in stable condition at Lake Arrowhead Medical Center.  

''He's going to make a full recovery, eventually,'' said police Lt. Russ Calverley.  

The firefighter and his colleagues had responded to a report of a fire at a home in Chino around 6:30 p.m. When no one answered the door, they forced their way inside.  

''The home owner is woken up out of his sleep. He thinks his house is getting broken into and shoots the fireman in the leg,'' Calverley said.  

The resident, whose name was not immediately released, was arrested for investigation of assault with a deadly weapon.  

Calverley said it appeared a floor heater was on fire but authorities were still investigating.

Man that would make your day suck.

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Shooter released; may face charges 

It is now up to the San Bernardino County District Attorney whether to file charges against a 52-year-old man who shot a firefighter Friday evening.

Thomas Dinter of Chino could face a charge of assault with a deadly weapon after he shot Chino Valley Fire Capt. Roger Palacios in the leg after firefighters had responded to Dinter's home in the 11800 block of Monte Vista Avenue to investigate a smoke alarm. 

Dinter was interviewed by Chino police and later released following the 6:30 p.m. incident. He told police he was asleep, awoke suddenly, and believed Palacios was an intruder when he fired and struck the 15-year department veteran in the left leg.

Palacios, who was treated and released from Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton on Saturday, had come to the man's home in search of possible fire victims, said Tony Landin, Chino Valley Fire spokesman.

When firefighters first arrived, they identified themselves while banging loudly on the front door and windows of the residence, Landin explained earlier. When no one answered, they headed to the back of the home, where Palacios attempted to enter a back door.

"While trying to make entry into the residence, he put his left leg inside [the house]," Landin said. "He was immediately shot in the left, lower leg."

Palacios was quickly pulled back outside by his colleagues, who removed him from the property and notified police.

- Jannise Johnson, [909] 483-9318 

 

March 6, 2005