A tragic shooting incident unfolded at a well-known biker bar in Orange County, California, on Wednesday night, leaving three people dead and five others injured. The suspected shooter, thought to be a retired police officer, also lost his life during the incident. The authorities were alerted to the situation at Cook’s Corner, a Lake Forest restaurant located on Santiago Canyon Road in Trabuco Canyon.
The incident reportedly began as a domestic dispute between the alleged shooter, a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department, and his wife, inside the bar around 7 p.m. The retired officer is believed to have fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on others in the bar. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office and local news outlets reported that seven other people, including the cook, were also shot during the incident.
The identity of the shooter has not been officially confirmed by the authorities, but sources suggest that the retired sergeant, who served 30 years with the Ventura Police Department, was the lone gunman. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is currently working to verify these claims.
The incident resulted in four fatalities, including the shooter and his wife. Six other people were taken to the hospital, five of whom had gunshot wounds. Two of the victims are in critical condition, while the remaining four are stable.
Eyewitnesses reported that deputies shot the gunman outside the bar as he was heading to his truck, presumably to reload his weapon. One witness recounted hearing an initial round of five to six shots from inside the bar, followed by a brief pause and then a flurry of additional gunshots.
The historic bar, which has been a community staple since 1926, was likely crowded at the time of the shooting due to its unlimited spaghetti night and live band. Undersheriff Jeff Hallock referred to the establishment as “a beloved part” of the community. The FBI is assisting local authorities with the ongoing investigation.