A gunman opened fire at a popular Southern California biker bar Wednesday night, killing three people and wounding six others before deputies shot and killed him.
The shooter was a retired police officer with the Ventura Police Department, Orange County authorities told the Ventura County Star. Details concerning the gunman’s name and what led to the shooting were not yet released by late Wednesday night local time.
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The shooting began around 7 p.m. at Cook’s Corner in rural Trabuco Canyon in Orange County, the Associated Press reported. The bar is a popular stop for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts who enjoy live music, open mic nights, and drinks.
Deputies responded two minutes after the first emergency call came in, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Frank Gonzalez said. Officers exchanged gunfire with the shooter, eventually killing him.
In addition to the three people killed by the gunman, six others were taken to the hospital, five having gunshot wounds, the sheriff’s department said on social media. Two were in critical condition, Providence Mission Hospital said in a statement.
A witness at the grisly crime told local outlet KABC that the shooter was confronted by the deputies after he went outside to his truck.
“He came in, he went back to reload and bring more guns, and the cops found him,” the woman said. “I’m glad I didn’t die. He shot four or six at me and missed.”
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Investigators reportedly were interviewing 30 to 40 witnesses at the scene, revealing a minimum of how many people were around at the time of the shooting.
“This tragic incident weighs heavy on our community and the first responders, and our hearts go out to all those involved,” said Chief Brian Fennessy with the Orange County Fire Authority.
