The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that reportedly occurred Saturday evening in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in the Stockton area. Several victims have been transported to local hospitals, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
4 victims confirmed dead in shooting near Stockton
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent said there was limited information to share with the public on the shooting, but did confirm that four people have died.
The incident was reported at a banquet hall where a family was celebrating inside the building. During the celebrating, gunshots erupted and 14 victims were shot, four of those people died. The victims’ ages range from “juvenile and adults,” according to Brent.Early indications suggest this maybe a “targeted incident,” Brent said during a press conference Saturday night.
“This is a very active and ongoing investigation,” Brent said. “Information remains very limited at this time.”
Detectives are asking that anyone with information, contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our No. 1 priority right now is identifying this suspect,” Brent said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issues statement on fatal San Joaquin County shooting
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Office issued a statement on social media late Saturday night. The governor said he’s has been briefed on the “horrific shooting” in Stockton.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement,” Newsom stated.
Vice mayor issues statement, vows push for answers
Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee expressed heartbreak and anger Saturday evening following reports of the mass shooting in the city.
“Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words,” Lee wrote on Facebook shortly after 7 p.m. “As Vice Mayor of Stockton — and as someone who grew up in this community — I am devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party. An ice cream shop should never be a place where families fear for their lives.”
“Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this shakes me deeply. Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community,” he continued. “I am in contact with staff and public safety officials to understand exactly what happened, and I will be pushing for answers. Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them.”
This remains an active scene, and details are still being confirmed. Authorities are asking people to avoid the area near Thornton Road, where the shooting occurred close to a Dairy Queen and other businesses.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
This article originally appeared on The Record: 4 dead, 14 injured in California shooting at child’s birthday party
