By Gina Yarbrough
Spring Valley, CA–Sheriff’s Department detectives are investigating a shooting incident on Saturday that wounded five people in Spring Valley
The incident occurred shortly after 8 p.m. in the 9000 block of Ildica Street, authorities said.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, witnesses told deputies there was a birthday party at a house when they suddenly heard gunshots coming from the backyard.
Deputies from Rancho San Diego, Santee, Alpine, Lemon Grove, Lakeside, and Imperial Beach responded and found a “frantic” scene in the area.
Deputies cleared and searched the area for the shooter or shooters while other deputies provided first aid by applying tourniquets on the shooting victims to stop the bleeding. A Sheriff’s K-9 handler and ASTREA helicopter also aided in the search efforts for possible suspects while officers from the La Mesa Police Department and California Highway Patrol established a perimeter around the area of the shooting.
A 27-year-old woman, 30-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, and 35-year-old man were taken to local hospitals for minor injuries. A 26-year-old man is hospitalized in critical condition. Two juvenile males were treated for burn injuries due to fireworks. It is the policy of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department not to release information about minor victims.
According to investigators, the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and there is no known threat to the public.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who has information about the shooting including possible cell phone video, photos or surveillance video in the area is urged to call Crime Stoppers. Individuals can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to a felony arrest. Call (888) 580-8477.