STOCKTON, Calif. — A chaotic family gathering turned tragic on Saturday as a shooting at a banquet hall in Stockton resulted in four deceased and ten wounded, according to the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office. The victims included both adults and children, raising grave concerns among local residents.

Early indications suggest this may have been a targeted incident, stated Heather Brent, spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office, during a press conference held on-site.

Law enforcement authorities are currently searching for the suspected shooter, who remains at large. San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas issued a plea for information from the public. If you have any information about this individual, please reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately, he urged.

The shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. within a banquet hall that shares its parking lot with other local businesses in Stockton, a city located approximately 40 miles south of Sacramento.

Mayor Christina Fugazzi expressed her sorrow over the incident, stating, Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.

While officials have not disclosed detailed information regarding the conditions of the victims, it has been confirmed that several individuals were transported to hospitals for medical treatment.