Four people were killed, and ten others were injured in a shooting at a banquet hall in Stockton, California, on Saturday evening.
The incident happened around 6 pm local time at the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue near Thornton Rd in Stockton, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s office.
San Joaquin District Attorney Ron Frietas said at a press conference that the shooter is still at large. “The individual responsible is still outstanding. If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately,” he said.
Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said that early indications suggested that it was a targeted attack.
“This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited. Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities,” Brent said. “Detectives are actively working to determine the circumstances leading up to this tragedy.”
The victims, who included both juveniles and adults, were believed to be attending a family gathering at the banquet hall when the shooting occurred. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee said on Facebook that the event was a child’s birthday party. Brent did not confirm the type of event at the hall.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said that the Office of Emergency Services was monitoring the situation in Stockton and coordinating with local law enforcement.
The gunman allegedly fled the scene.
“Our number one priority is identifying the suspect in this incident,” Brent said.
Stockton is a city of 320,000 about 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Sacramento.
California banquet hall mass shooting possibly a targeted attack, Sheriff’s office says
