Stockton mass shooting: A Saturday evening mass shooting in north Stockton left four dead and several injured, including young children, prompting a major emergency response and an ongoing search for the suspect.
The incident unfolded during a family gathering at a banquet hall in the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue, near Thornton Road. According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office, multiple victims were transported to nearby hospitals within minutes of the first 911 calls. Officials confirmed that the situation remains fluid as investigators continue to piece together what led to the violence.
In a post on X, the Sheriff's Office stated,"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. This remains an active scene, and deputies are working to gather additional details."
Authorities urged residents to avoid the area as crime-scene teams conducted door-to-door checks and gathered evidence late into the night.
According to local media reports, 10 to 12 people may have been wounded, including a 9-year-old, a 12-year-old and a 23-year-old. One report claimed the 12-year-old was receiving CPR while being taken to the hospital. Officials have not confirmed these details but acknowledged that "several victims" include minors.
Residents and passersby recounted a sudden barrage of gunfire. One witness wrote online, "I heard the shots as I was leaving a business meeting. Does anyone know if a white SUV was involved?" Another said, "We were having a kids birthday around the corner. We heard all the shots but thought it was fireworks."
Videos circulating on social media showed blocked roads, a heavy police presence, and a long line of ambulances rushing to the scene. Some locals reported seeing officers speeding toward Hammer Lane minutes after the gunfire.
The gunman allegedly fled immediately after opening fire. Authorities have not yet released a description of the suspect or the possible vehicle involved. Some scanner listeners hinted at a potential high-speed chase, but deputies have not verified this.
The Stockton shooting came just hours after reports of gunfire at a mall in San Jose, prompting renewed concerns about escalating violence across parts of California.