(LOS ANGELES) — A gunman, who sources said is a retired police officer, allegedly killed three and wounded six others in a mass shooting at a popular Southern California biker bar.
The shooting was reported just after 7 p.m. PT Wednesday at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, and deputies responded within minutes, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Dispatchers could hear the gunfire in the background as deputies tried to find the shooter, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies then “contacted” an armed man and a “deputy-involved shooting involving multiple deputies occurred,” the sheriff’s office said.
Four people, including the suspect, identified by prosecutors as John Snowling, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Six others, including five with gunshot wounds, were transported to a local trauma center for treatment. Two of the injured were listed in critical condition and the others were considered stable, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
Investigators believe Snowling was targeting his estranged wife, who was injured in the mass shooting, sources told ABC News. Her condition was not immediately clear.
A motive for the attack remains unknown, authorities said.
Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock told reporters there were “upwards of 30 to 40 witnesses” whom deputies will be interviewing.
At least one weapon was recovered at the scene, authorities said.
ABC News’ Matthew Fuhrman and Jolie Lash contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
