Alameda County firefighter charged with insulting remarks against driver in viral video

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Alameda County firefighter accused of making offensive remarks. Courtesy of Stockton Fire Department.

STOCKTON, California. – A video making the rounds on social media claims to show an Alameda County firefighter making offensive comments to a motorist following a traffic dispute in Lodi.

The driver in the video, Vath Touch, said the firefighter, whose name was not given, tried to force him off the highway before a verbal altercation ensued.

The situation occurred at Armstrong and Harney Lane on Highway 99.

The two questioned each other before the situation became heated and the firefighter made derogatory comments about Touch.

The Alameda County Fire Department confirmed that the firefighter in the video is from their department. In addition, the Stockton Fire Department denied that the firefighter was one of them and called the incident “disturbing and disgusting.”

“We don't know who it is, but it's definitely not one of us,” the Stockton Fire Department said.

Alameda County Fire Chief William McDonald commented on the incident, saying “some of the language used is not consistent” with their values ​​and standards.

“Our department is committed to gathering all the facts and we are handling the situation in a manner that reflects our commitment to integrity, professionalism and community trust,” McDonald said.

McDonald will hold a press conference at fire department headquarters on Monday to address the incident.

This story is evolving.