STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA – A child's birthday party turned into a bloodbath on Saturday night after a gunman opened fire inside a banquet hall. Authorities confirmed that at least four people are dead and ten others were wounded in the mass shooting while the suspect remains on the run.
Targeted Attack at Banquet Hall
The violence erupted just before 6 p.m. inside a banquet hall on the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue near Thornton Road. Heather Brent from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office told reporters that early indications suggest this may have been a targeted attack. Detectives are currently interviewing witnesses to determine what led up to the tragedy.
The victims have not yet been identified by name. However, officials confirmed that the casualties range in age from juveniles to adults. Those who were struck by gunfire were rushed to area hospitals, but their current conditions remain unknown.
Violence at Child's Party
While police initially described the event as a family gathering, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee revealed that the shooting took place during a birthday party for a child. He expressed his heartbreak on Facebook and stated he is devastated and angry that such violence occurred at a celebration for kids.
Lee, who grew up in the community, called for prayers for the families and the children who witnessed the trauma. He emphasized that the city would not accept this violence as the norm.
Suspect at Large
The alleged gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting and remains at large. Sheriff’s officials stated that their number one priority is identifying and capturing the suspect. Several local law enforcement agencies have been called in to assist with the ongoing manhunt.
For more cases on tragic shootings, checkout our video here:
.png)