Stockton shooting witnesses say gunfire lasted about a minute, mistook it for fireworks

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA: A​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ mass shooting unfolded at a family gathering in Stockton, California, on Saturday, November 29, resulting in the deaths of at least four people. 

The shooting happened on Lucile Avenue in the 1900 block, close to Thornton Road, at a children's party, according to reports.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said, “The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a shooting in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue in Stockton. Several victims have been transported to local hospitals.”

In a Facebook post, Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee wrote, "Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words. 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."

Eyewitnesses recall hearing gunfire

Videos from local residents and the scene showed heavy police and ambulance presence. Several witnesses and local residents shared details on social media.

One person shared, "I heard the shots as I was leaving a business meeting around the corner. Does anyone know if a white SUV was involved?"

Another wrote, "We seen all the Patrol cars responding westbound on Hammer Ln."

A third person added, “We were having a kids birthday around the corner with a lot of family we heard all the shots but we thought it was fireworks.”

One of the witnesses said that the gunfire at the child’s birthday party sounded like shots being fired “back and forth” and lasted for about a full minute, possibly by multiple groups of people.

Indications suggest Stockton shooting might be a 'targeted incident'

Local​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ officials have characterized the shooting as a "targeted incident," but a suspect has not been publicly named or apprehended yet. San Joaquin County Sheriff’s office said that “approximately 14 individuals were struck by gunfire."

Police are going through the recording and the statements given by the people who saw the event in order to figure out the motive and to find the perpetrator.

According to the reports, hospitals were thrown into chaos as they tried to treat the injured and take care of the victims, who were both children and adults. 

No update has been provided regarding the conditions of those wounded in the shooting. 

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