Former cop suspected of killing 4 people, injuring 6 at 'beloved' California bar

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (TCD) -- A former police officer was killed following a shootout with deputies after he is believed to have opened fire inside a popular bar, killing four people and injuring six.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 7:04 p.m., Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to "multiple 911 calls" about shots fired at Cook’s Corner bar. Deputies arrived at the scene at 7:06 p.m., and dispatch could hear gunshots in the background. Two minutes later, officials "confronted a male subject armed with a gun."

Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said the shooting "involved multiple deputies." The suspected shooter, who Hallock said was believed to be a retired law enforcement officer, died during the confrontation.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department later identified the shooter as 59-year-old John Snowling.

Investigators recovered at least one weapon at the scene.

Hallock called Cook’s Corner a "truly beloved part of the Trabuco Canyon community."

According to Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy, paramedics arrived at the scene within minutes and transported six people to local trauma centers. Four people were in stable condition and two others were in critical condition. Five of those six people suffered gunshot wounds. Four people were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Los Angeles Times reports said the gunman used to work for the Ventura Police Department and was at the bar to target his estranged wife.

The Sheriff’s Office said Snowling’s wife was injured during the shooting but survived.

MORE:

• News briefing - Orange County Sheriff's Department
• Orange County mass shooter identified as ex-cop targeting estranged wife, sources say - Los Angeles Times
• Orange County Sheriff's Department Twitter