A mass shooting at a family gathering in Stockton, California, on Saturday night resulted in at least four fatalities and ten injuries, with the suspect still at large, according to officials. The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. in a banquet hall located on Lucile Avenue near Thornton Rd, as reported by Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
Brent stated that the investigation is still active and ongoing, with limited information available at this time. Preliminary findings suggest that the incident may have been targeted, and investigators are considering all possibilities. Detectives are working diligently to uncover the circumstances that led to this tragic event.
The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, range from juveniles to adults. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, but their conditions remain undisclosed. The alleged shooter fled the scene and is currently being sought by law enforcement.
Brent emphasized that their top priority is identifying the suspect. She expressed gratitude for the support of local law enforcement agencies, several of which have been called in to assist with the investigation. California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the incident.
While the nature of the event taking place at the banquet hall has not been confirmed by Brent, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee stated that the shooting occurred at a child’s birthday party. Lee, who grew up in the community, expressed his devastation and anger over the incident, calling it a tragedy for the community located 90 miles east of San Francisco.
Lee shared his heartfelt sentiments on Facebook, expressing his deep sorrow and anger over the incident. He sent his thoughts, prayers, and love to the affected families, the children who witnessed the trauma, and the entire city.
This incident occurred roughly 24 hours after another shooting at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, 80 miles away, which left three people injured. The suspect in that incident allegedly shot a man he was arguing with, and two bystanders, an adult woman and a 16-year-old girl, were hit by stray bullets. All three victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.