Seven Wounded, Two Critically During Shooting at Manteca Party

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY – Authorities searched for a man who fired shots into a crowd during a party near Manteca, wounding several.

The incident happened shortly after midnight Saturday morning near the 4400 block of Woodward Avenue.

Officers with the California Highway Patrol had stopped a vehicle in the area when they heard gunfire and witnessed several people running. Several agencies including the Manteca Police Department, California Highway Patrol and San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

A large party was said to have taken place in the area until someone arrived with a weapon and began firing gun shots into the crowd. In total, seven people were taken to hospitals with injuries. Two of the seven were in critical condition late Saturday morning. The other five were treated and released. Two of the victims were said to be minors, and the rest were adults.

Detectives arrived to conduct an investigation of the incident.

Authorities say the suspect is described as an African-American man with a thin build. He was wearing a dark hoodie and armed with a semi-automatic weapon.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office or text a tip to 274637, where witnesses can remain anonymous.