In a tragic incident at Cook’s Corner, a well-known bar and biker hangout in Trabuco Canyon, a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department, identified as 59-year-old John Snowling, opened fire on Wednesday night. Authorities have reported that Snowling entered the establishment, approached his estranged wife, and shot her without any prior discussion or argument. He then proceeded to randomly fire into the crowd, resulting in three casualties and six injuries.
According to Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, Snowling travelled from Ohio to Southern California to target his estranged wife, who he knew would be at Cook’s Corner that evening. Barnes added that Snowling was aware of his wife’s presence and did not engage in any conversation before firing the fatal shot. The couple was in the process of getting a divorce, and it remains unclear how long Snowling had been in the area or if he had been monitoring his estranged wife’s whereabouts.
Snowling armed himself with three handguns and a shotgun before arriving at Cook’s Corner. He initially used two handguns for the shooting, later retreating to his silver pickup truck in the parking lot to retrieve another handgun and the shotgun. When sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, Snowling opened fire at them, resulting in a shootout in which the suspect was killed.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has announced that they will conduct a review of the law enforcement’s actions during the incident; however, he stated that there is no evidence suggesting excessive use of force by the deputies.
Four individuals, including Snowling, were pronounced dead at the scene, while six others were taken to Providence Mission Hospital for treatment. Two patients were in critical condition, while the remaining four were considered stable. Snowling’s estranged wife was shot in the jaw, but she survived. The critically injured victims include a man who suffered a chest wound and another man who was shot in the arm.
Witnesses recount chaotic scenes inside Cook’s Corner, with some individuals seeking shelter in the kitchen and others attempting to reason with the gunman. A woman claiming to be pregnant managed to convince the shooter not to harm her, persuading him to spare her life.
Cook’s Corner, known as a popular biker bar, is actually a family-friendly restaurant, particularly on their weekly $8 spaghetti dinner night. The community describes it as a gathering place, emphasizing its significance. Local officials have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated their commitment to ensuring such acts of violence do not overshadow the legacy of Cook’s Corner.
Politicians, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Dave Min, have responded to the tragedy, expressing their sorrow and calling for stricter gun control measures. Newsom specifically highlighted the importance of red-flag laws that allow the removal of firearms from potentially dangerous individuals.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder that no community is immune to the issue of gun violence. The Orange County community mourns the loss of innocent lives and stands united in the fight against this ongoing problem.
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