In a tragic incident at Cook’s Corner, a historic biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, four individuals have died, including the suspect, and six others have been hospitalized after a shooter opened fire. The shooting began in the picnic area of the bar, where witnesses initially heard about five or six shots, followed by an increased volley of gunfire. Authorities received calls to 911 at 7:04 p.m. and arrived at the scene just two minutes later. Deputies engaged with the gunman at 7:08 p.m. and he was fatally shot during the confrontation. The shooting is believed to have started as a domestic dispute between the shooter and his wife.
According to eyewitnesses, chaos and panic ensued during the shooting at Cook’s Corner. One witness recounted how he and a cook barricaded themselves in the kitchen armed with a frying pan until it was safe to come out. Another witness shared a harrowing encounter with the gunman, who allowed a pregnant woman to leave unharmed after she pleaded with him not to shoot her. Of the six people hospitalized, at least five had gunshot wounds, with two in critical condition and four in stable condition. Law enforcement is currently investigating the incident, with the FBI assisting in the investigation. Governor Newsom is monitoring the situation from Sacramento.
Cook’s Corner, known as a “legendary landmark,” was hosting a spaghetti night special with a live band when the shooting occurred. The exact number of patrons present at the bar at the time of the incident remains unclear. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has set up a command center at Saddleback Church and issued a SigAlert for El Toro Road, leading up to Santiago Canyon and the bar itself. This is an ongoing investigation, and further details are expected to emerge.