A child’s birthday celebration at a Stockton restaurant ended in tragedy on Saturday evening when a burst of gunfire left four people dead and at least 10 others injured, according to authorities in San Joaquin County.

A family had organized the party at a restaurant in the northern California city when shots rang out shortly before 6:00 p.m. local time (02:00 GMT Sunday). Families who had gathered for what was meant to be a routine children’s celebration fled to safety while emergency crews rushed to the scene.

Officials say both adults and children are among the victims of the Stockton shooting. Paramedics transported the survivors to local hospitals, but officials have not yet disclosed their conditions. Authorities are withholding the names and ages of the four people killed until they notify their relatives.

Birthday Celebration Turns to Crime Scene

Deputies from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded within minutes after receiving reports of a shooting at the restaurant. When they arrived, they found multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds and a chaotic scene inside and outside the venue. 

Police quickly sealed off the restaurant, which had been decorated for a child’s birthday party, and marked it as a crime scene. Forensic teams worked into the night collecting shell casings and other physical evidence, while detectives interviewed guests, staff and other witnesses caught in the violence..

Authorities have not released details on how many children were present or how the events unfolded inside the restaurant immediately before the gunfire.

Investigators Explore Targeted Attack Theory

As of Sunday, police had not arrested any suspect, and the gunman remained at large. Investigators are examining whether the shooting at the child’s birthday party was a targeted attack.

Officials say early indications suggest the shooter may have targeted specific individuals rather than randomly choosing the party. Detectives caution that they are still actively investigating the motive and are considering all possibilities.

The Sheriff’s Office has described the case as a major investigation, with multiple units assigned to review evidence, reconstruct the timeline, and determine how the suspect or suspects entered and left the area.

Authorities Ask Witnesses to Come Forward

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have been at or near the restaurant around the time of the Stockton shooting to contact investigators. That includes people who attended the party, nearby customers, and passersby who may have noticed unusual behavior, arguments, or vehicles leaving the scene quickly.

Officials say even small details could help locate the suspect and clarify how the violence unfolded at the birthday gathering.

Mayor: Families Belong at Parties, Not Hospital Bedsides

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi strongly condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable that a children’s celebration ended with multiple families grieving and others waiting for updates at hospitals.

She said families should be able to come together for birthdays and other milestones without fearing gunfire or spending the night standing next to a loved one’s hospital bed, hoping they survive.

City officials will partner with county agencies and local organizations to support the families of the deceased, injured survivors and witnesses who may be traumatized by the incident.

Community Grapples With Violence at Children’s Event

News of the California birthday party shooting has shaken Stockton and the wider San Joaquin County community, particularly because the violence erupted at an event centered on children.

Local support services and community groups are preparing to offer counselling and other assistance as authorities release more information about the victims. Residents have expressed shock that a familiar family setting—a weekend party at a neighborhood restaurant—became the site of one of the city’s most disturbing recent shootings.

As the investigation continues, authorities will release further updates on the victims’ identities, the conditions of those in hospital, and any developments in the search for the suspect in the Stockton, California, birthday party shooting.