Conducted by a former police sergeant, the deadly shooting at a well-liked bar in Southern California on Wednesday evening resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to six additional individuals, with additional information coming to light.
At Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, the occurrence occurred due to a continuing conflict regarding the separation from his spouse, involving the shooter, John Snowling, a 59-year-old ex-police sergeant from Ohio who is no longer alive, as stated by Sheriff Don Barnes during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon in Orange County, California.
Officials stated that the individual entered the establishment carrying two guns and proceeded directly towards his separated spouse, according to accounts from witnesses, as communicated by Barnes. Barnes mentioned that he pulled out his firearm and shot at the woman. Authorities reported that he subsequently pivoted and discharged his weapon towards the individual who was dining with his wife.
All adults were victims of the gunshots. Additionally, a third victim died at the scene. However, there was a person who received aid at the scene before dying. The police stated that an individual approached the suspect, who was shot. According to the current timeline provided by authorities, the suspect then returned to his truck to retrieve two additional weapons. He then shot inside Cook’s, a corner located outside the bar. The suspect began shooting randomly at the popular venue’s patrons. The sheriff confirmed this information.
The shooting was reported just after 7 p.M. PT Wednesday and deputies responded within minutes, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The sheriff’s office stated that there was a shooting involving multiple deputies, where a deputy and an armed man were involved. The deputies attempted to locate the shooter as dispatchers could hear gunfire in the background.
Barnes stated that the individual was fatally shot during the gunfight, yet none of the deputies sustained any injuries. Shots were fired, and the sheriff’s department promptly confronted the assailant.
The sheriff stated that an individual aged 67 from Irvine was among the casualties. The relatives of the deceased have not yet been informed, and the identities of two of the deceased, a male and a female, remain unknown.
Six others were taken to Mission Providence Hospital Mission Viejo. The doctor from the medical trauma hospital said in a press conference on Thursday that one has been released from the hospital and two are in critical condition. Four others were stable and two of the injured were also in stable condition.
The woman was confirmed to be the only one hospitalized due to the shooting early Thursday morning, according to Providence Mission Hospital. She was shot in the jaw and is in critical condition.
According to the hospital, the second severe patient, a grown-up male, was shot in the chest.
Snowling served at Ventura Police Department in Southern California from 1986 until his retirement in 2014, as stated by Ventura police.
Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler expressed his sorrow, stating, “The distressing incident at Cook’s Corner has left a heavy burden on our hearts.” Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims, the survivors, and the Orange County deputies who promptly responded to the scene. This incident deeply impacts all of us.
“Governor Gavin Newsom encouraged Californians to come forward and assist in the ‘safe confiscation of firearms from individuals who may pose a potential danger,’ emphasizing the importance of red flag legislation in response to the recent shooting.”
Newsom stated that this atrocity was connected to a domestic altercation. “Nearly two-thirds of mass shooters in America have a background of domestic abuse,” he added.
He continued, “We have resources and tools to protect and support survivors and victims in California, and they should never be alone in knowing that.” In order to safely remove guns from those who may pose a threat, we must work with local courts and law enforcement, allowing family members and others to utilize our state’s red flag laws. We must continue to use and defend these laws in order to strengthen them. If you see any red flags, it is important to speak up as it can save lives.