A man who had been involved in a fight inside a downtown Turlock bar began shooting into a crowd of people outside the bar, wounding seven people, the Turlock Police Department reported.
The investigation revealed the suspect was targeting one person also involved in the altercation and opened fire “without regard for the others,” said Turlock Police spokesperson Sgt. Michael Parmley.
The individuals wounded in the shooting had injuries that were not considered life-threatening and ranged from a grazing wound to one shot in the face, Parmley said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims injured in this senseless shooting,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “We understand the concerns of our residents and our team continues to work hard to provide for a safer Turlock.”
Detectives are reviewing video and evidence collected at the scene in an attempt to identify the suspect.
“We are early on in this investigation, but detectives are working diligently to identify the shooter,” said Special Operations Lt. Neil Cervenka. “We will provide an update as new information becomes available.”
The suspected shooter is described as a heavy-set Hispanic male between 25 to 30 years of age. Video of the incident shows his hair style was unique in that the sides of his head appeared to be shaved and he had what appeared to be a short ponytail. He was described as wearing a white sweatshirt and blue jeans.
The vehicle the suspect drove is described as a white newer model Mercedes Benz sedan. The vehicle was last seen fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed, heading southbound on South Golden State Boulevard from the intersection of East Main Street.
Police were first alerted to the incident as officers were patrolling in the downtown area around 2 a.m. Saturday and heard the sound of shots fired less than a block away from their location. As officers responded to the area of the 100 block of South First Street, Turlock Police Dispatch began receiving calls of a shooting and reports of several people being shot outside La Cantina at 142 S. First Street.
Once officers were on scene, they located the multiple gunshot victims and began rendering first aid to the victims until advanced medical personnel from the Turlock Fire Department and AMR arrived at the scene. The shooting victims were transported to local area hospitals.
The preliminary investigation revealed the suspect had been involved in a fight inside the bar and then began shooting as people were leaving the bar, according to the police department. Investigators do not believe it was a random act of violence.
Turlock Police Detectives ask that anyone with information, to call Detective Timothy Redd at (209) 664-7325. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
