Police are offering a $20,000 reward for information on a shooting that took place on Sunday evening when a group of masked men pulled up to an outdoor birthday party in central California and opened fire, killing at least four.
Officers responded to a reported shooting at about 6pm in King City, California, about 106 miles south of San Jose, and found three men with gunshot wounds who were pronounced dead in a front yard, the King City police department said. A total of 11 people were hit by gunfire.
A woman later died after someone took her to Mee Memorial hospital in King City.
King City police say they are looking for a silver Kia in connection with the shooting. No suspects have been identified but officials say they should be considered armed and dangerous.
Three injured men were transported to Natividad hospital in Salinas, police initially said. A news release later announced that detectives had subsequently learned of four additional adult victims with gunshot wounds. They also were eventually taken to the hospital.
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Two of the victims were in critical condition and the five others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Several people were at the party outside a residence when three men in dark masks and clothes got out of a silver car and fired at the group. The suspects, who were not immediately identified, fled the scene in the vehicle.
The investigation was ongoing, police said.
Mayor Mike LeBarre called the killings a terrible tragedy for the community of about 14,000 residents.
“We are heartbroken and share our deepest sympathy with the family and friends of those who were killed by this ruthless act of violence,” LeBarre said in a statement. “I want to assure the community that we are taking all actions and dedicating all resources in our power to bring these criminals to justice, and we will continue to expand our extensive activities and programs dedicated to preventing violence.”
The shooting occurred on a street with a handful of modest homes facing a commercial district.
King City sits in southern Salinas Valley farm country, on the inland side of coastal mountains. The US army’s Fort Hunter Liggett training center sprawls nearby. The city is also known as a gateway to Pinnacles national park.