In a disturbing turn of events, gunfire erupted at the West Lane Plaza shopping center on Friday afternoon, leaving two men injured and prompting a swift response from Stockton police.
The victims, aged 25 and 30, sustained gunshot wounds around 1:10 p.m. and were quickly transported to the hospital, according to Officer David Scott. As of 4:50 p.m., their injuries were deemed non-life-threatening.
Security footage from the scene captured a vehicle entering the western end of the parking lot, marking the beginning of the incident. The video, whose source remains unnamed due to safety concerns, depicts an individual exiting the vehicle and opening fire on a group of at least three people between parked cars. The group took cover as more than 20 shots rang out, and chaos ensued in the parking lot.
"Call the police!" echoed through the scene as people scattered and sought refuge in their vehicles. The incident follows a pattern of violence at West Lane Plaza, with the person providing the footage noting previous shootings approximately three weeks and three months ago.
At the time of the incident, four police SUVs had secured the area by 2 p.m., blocking it off with crime scene tape. A light-colored Audi crossover within the tape, with its front door open, appeared to be connected to the shooting. Nearby SUVs displayed broken windows, and shell casings littered the ground.
Despite the recurring nature of violence in the area, law enforcement remained on-site into the afternoon, meticulously examining the scene. By 2:30 p.m., officers continued their investigation with no details on a motive or information about suspects available to the public.
The West Lane Plaza, situated near the West Lane and Hammer Lane intersection, has been a site of previous violent incidents, with at least two fatalities reported last year.
The Stockton Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Based on article published by Record reporter Aaron Leathley link.
