Tragic events unfolded at Cook’s Corner, a renowned biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, when a retired Ventura police sergeant, reportedly targeting his wife, opened fire. The harrowing incident occurred on Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of three individuals and injuries to six others. Fortunately, the gunman was swiftly neutralized by responding Orange County Sheriff’s deputies.
According to authorities, five of the injured victims sustained gunshot wounds, while the nature of the sixth person’s injuries remains unknown. All six individuals were promptly transported to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. As of the latest update, two are in critical condition, while the remaining four are stable.
It is a relief to report that no deputies were harmed during this tragic incident. Video footage from the scene showed multiple bodies covered with sheets outside the bar, a haunting visual reminder of the violence that occurred.
Reports indicate that the gunman was a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department, who carried out the shooting as a result of a domestic dispute with his wife. Tragically, the wife was among the victims who lost their lives. The gunman had served with the Ventura department from 1984 until 2014, spanning three decades.
Eye-witnesses who were heading to Cook’s Corner informed authorities that their friends were present during the shooting. According to their accounts, the gunman was described as an older man with a gray beard. Thankfully, their friends managed to escape unharmed.
In response to the incident, an extensive presence of sheriff’s deputies and ambulance crews rushed to the scene. Streets surrounding the vicinity were closed off as investigations took place. It’s important for residents to note that Santiago Canyon Road, Crystal Canyon Road, El Toro Road, Ridgeline Road, and Live Oak Canyon have been temporarily closed.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement online, expressing their commitment to monitoring the situation and collaborating with local authorities to gather more information.
Cook’s Corner holds a special place in the hearts of bikers and locals alike as a historic bar with roots dating back to the late 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 1920s that it transformed into the beloved restaurant it is today. Known as “one of the most famous biker bars in Southern California,” it attracts a loyal clientele.
On the fateful evening, patrons were gathered for the weekly $8 spaghetti dinner special, accompanied by live music from the band M Street, scheduled to commence at 6:30 p.m. Prior to the incident, the band posted a video on Instagram, showcasing the stage being set up with the foreboding caption, “Cook’s Corner before the onslaught!”
A witness inside the bar informed KTLA5 that the band was performing when the sound of gunfire abruptly shattered the atmosphere. The witness recounted seeing a man wearing a light blue shirt and holding two guns. A barrage of shots ensued as the gunman maneuvered through the bar. Subsequently, the gunman fled to the parking lot, where he retrieved what appeared to be a rifle or shotgun from a silver pickup truck, continuing his shooting spree.
Another witness described an intense gunfight between the gunman, armed with a long rifle, and the responding sheriff’s deputies.
In the aftermath of the shooting, a courageous woman who had been present inside the bar shared a series of photos, displaying blood smears on the establishment’s floor. She recounted that the gunman had fired multiple shots, narrowly missing her.
State Senator Dave Min from Irvine issued a heartfelt statement expressing his sorrow for the shooting, emphasizing the need to address the pervasive issue of gun violence. Rep. Katie Porter, also from Irvine, conveyed her sympathies to the victims and their families, awaiting further updates from law enforcement. Echoing these sentiments, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley stressed the urgent need for preventive measures against senseless acts of gun violence.
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