Retired Law Enforcement Officer Kills Three and Injures Six in Orange County Bar Shooting
TRABUCO CANYON, Calif. – A retired law enforcement officer opened fire at a popular biker bar in Orange County, killing three people and injuring six others before being fatally shot by sheriff’s deputies. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at Cook’s Corner, a well-known establishment on Santiago Canyon Road in Trabuco Canyon.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, five individuals were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while another person was treated for a non-gunshot injury. Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo received and treated six patients, with two in critical condition and four in stable condition.
Sheriff’s officials confirmed that deputies arrived at the scene within two minutes of the initial emergency call and were involved in a shooting with the suspect shortly after. No deputies were harmed during the incident.
The shooting was reported at 7:04 p.m., and deputies arrived at the bar by 7:06 p.m. “About 7:08 p.m., our deputies contacted a male subject who was armed with a gun,” said OCSD Sgt. Frank Gonzalez. “A deputy-involved shooting occurred, and the male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released, but authorities believe he was a retired law enforcement officer from a Ventura County agency. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating reports that the suspect shot his wife at the bar, although they have not confirmed these reports.
“This tragic incident weighs heavy on our community and the first responders, and our hearts go out to all those involved,” said Chief Brian Fennessy with the Orange County Fire Authority.
Witnesses at the scene described the shooter being confronted by deputies after he went outside to his truck, presumably to reload. “He came in, he went back to reload and bring more guns, and the cops found him,” one woman said. “I’m glad I didn’t die. He shot four or six at me and missed.”
Nelson Rosales, who was heading to Cook’s Corner on his motorcycle, was flagged down by a motorist near the bar. The motorist warned him about the ongoing shooting, and moments later, Rosales heard gunshots and saw people leaving the bar. “I called 911, they told me they already had deputies on the way. As soon as the deputies rolled up, he started unloading on them as well. They returned fire. I ducked for cover,” Rosales recounted.
Investigators confirmed the recovery of at least one weapon at the scene and were joined by FBI and ATF agents to assist with the investigation.
Cook’s Corner is a popular hangout for motorcycle enthusiasts with a rich history dating back over a century. The property was acquired by Andrew Jackson Cook in the late 1800s and opened as a restaurant in 1926. After the end of Prohibition, it began serving alcohol. The Cook family sold the bar in the 1970s.
The shooting occurred during the bar’s regular Spaghetti Night Special, and the exact number of people inside at the time of the incident is still unknown. Sheriff’s investigators are currently interviewing 30 to 40 witnesses to gather more information about the tragic event.
How did law enforcement officials respond to the emergency call and what was the outcome of their confrontation with the suspect
A retired law enforcement officer caused tragedy on Wednesday night, opening fire at a popular biker bar in Orange County. The incident took place at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuring six others. Thankfully, the suspect was ultimately killed by sheriff’s deputies.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department revealed that five people were taken to the hospital with gunshot wounds, while another individual received treatment for a different injury. Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo was responsible for caring for six patients, two of whom are in critical condition and the remaining four in stable condition.
Law enforcement officials swiftly responded to the emergency call, arriving at the scene in just two minutes. They engaged in a confrontation with the suspect, resulting in his death. Fortunately, none of the deputies were harmed throughout the incident.
The shooting was reported at 7:04 p.m., and deputies arrived at the bar by 7:06 p.m. “About 7:08 p.m., our deputies contacted a male subject who was armed with a gun,” disclosed OCSD Sgt. Frank Gonzalez. “A deputy-involved shooting occurred, and the male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
The identity of the deceased suspect has not been disclosed. However, authorities believe that he was a retired law enforcement officer.
