Sheriff: Gunman targets estranged wife in California shooting.
Retired Police Officer Kills Three in Trabuco Canyon Mass Shooting
In a shocking incident that unfolded at a historic restaurant in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, a retired police officer went on a shooting rampage, leaving three people dead and six others injured. Authorities revealed that the suspect, identified as John Snowling, initially targeted his estranged wife before randomly opening fire.
John Snowling, a former sergeant of the Ventura Police Department, retired in 2014 after a long and distinguished career. Tragically, the shooting spree ended with Mr. Snowling being fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with Orange County sheriff deputies.
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According to Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, Mr. Snowling traveled from Ohio to Southern California with the intention of finding his estranged wife, who was present at Cook’s Corner, a historical “biker bar.” The couple was in the midst of a divorce, and it appears that Mr. Snowling was aware of his wife’s location that night.
Sheriff Barnes expressed his dismay at yet another mass shooting incident in Orange County, recalling the tragic events at Geneva Presbyterian Church just last year. He emphasized the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures to address such acts of violence.
The shooting occurred at approximately 7 p.m. at the restaurant located on Santiago Canyon Rd. Deputies swiftly responded to multiple 911 calls, arriving at the scene within two minutes. They engaged in an exchange of gunfire with the suspect, ultimately neutralizing the threat.
While it remains unclear whether Mr. Snowling was actively tracking his wife’s movements, witnesses reported that he approached her directly and fired a single shot without any prior conversation or dispute. The suspect was armed with three handguns and a shotgun, initially using two handguns before retrieving the others from his vehicle parked in the bar’s lot.
Upon the arrival of sheriff’s deputies, Mr. Snowling opened fire on them, prompting a swift and decisive response. Seven deputies returned fire, ultimately ending the threat and tragically taking the suspect’s life. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer assured the public that the deputies’ actions would be thoroughly reviewed, but he commended their heroic response and found no evidence of any wrongdoing or excessive use of force.
Victims
Paramedics pronounced four individuals dead at the scene, according to Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Cheyne Maule. Among the victims was a woman who was dining with Mr. Snowling’s wife and was shot outside the bar. Additionally, a 67-year-old man from Irvine and another man who attempted to intervene were fatally shot.
Six other victims were rushed to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo. Two of them, including Ms. Snowling and a man with a chest wound, were listed in critical condition. The injured were transferred to the University of California–Irvine Medical Center for further treatment.
Mark Johnson, pianist for the M-Street Band performing at the bar that night, revealed that two band members were among the injured but in stable condition.
All victims involved in this tragic incident were adults.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the aftermath of yet another senseless act of violence.
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