Fireman with Invalid Drivers’ License Faces Jail Time for Crashing then Fleeing
Photo: Ellsweorth S. Fortman
SAUGUS – Firefighters are known as proud community protectors of life and property. Somehow, this mission-mindset escaped Ellsworth S. Fortman (dob 12/13/65), of Saugus, while driving his own vehicle at a dangerous speed.
“A Saugus man has been charged with crashing into a parked car and fleeing the scene,” announced the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on May 13th.
Fortman’s damage (Kimberly Ward)
Initially, said LADA Prosecutors, “On January 26, Fortman allegedly crashed into a parked car while driving his personal vehicle at an unsafe speed. The defendant, a Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief, is charged with then fleeing the location of the crash and driving to his home.”
The LAFD Assistant Chief faces one misdemeanor count for hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage, as well as another misdemeanor count for driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Fortman faces a possible maximum sentence of one year in jail, if convicted as charged. The arraignment date has yet to be scheduled.
Case #0SC01675 remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Clarita Station.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to protecting the community through the fair and ethical pursuit of justice and the safeguarding of crime victims’ rights.
