Alameda County firefighter accused of offensive remarks against driver in viral video

STOCKTON, Calif. - A video making the rounds on social media shows an Alameda County firefighter making what some say are offensive remarks to a driver following a traffic dispute. 

Vath Touch, the driver in the video, said the firefighter, who has not been named, tried to run him off the highway on Friday morning before they got into it verbally. 

The situation unfolded on Armstrong and Harney Lane on Highway 99 in Lodi. 

At the beginning of the video, Touch and the firefighter argue about who was at fault in the crash.

The firefighter accuses Touch of speeding recklessly.

Touch tells him that the police are coming. 

"OK, dumb Mexican," the firefighter is heard saying.

Touch responds: "Ohhh, I'm Mexican, OK?"

The firefighter says: "Or Filipino. WTF are you?"

Touch says: "Don't be racist, bro. Don't be racist." 

The firefighter then tells Touch what his job is and then suggests Touch go back to his "$10-an-hour lawn job." 

Later, Touch told KCRA that he started filming the interaction to document what happened. 

"I was going to get out of my car and talk to him, but then when I saw him coming and rushing up, I decided no, I'm going to play it safe, press record and see what he wants," Touch said. "When he came up, and started saying all that stuff to me." 

The Alameda County Fire Department confirmed the firefighter in the video is employed by their agency.

Alameda County Fire Chief William McDonald addressed the incident, saying "some language used does not align" with their values and standards.

"Our department is committed to gathering all the facts and we are addressing the situation in a manner that reflects our dedication to integrity, professionalism, and community trust," McDonald said.