Four people were injured in a shooting during a popular festival in Davis, California, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at Community Park, where hundreds were gathered for Picnic Day, an annual spring celebration hosted by the University of California, Davis.
Witnesses reported hearing a series of loud bangs, initially thought to be firecrackers. This noise sent around 500 to 600 attendees rushing out of the park in panic, many visibly distressed. Neighbors nearby described the scene as chaotic, with people fleeing in all directions.
Police received reports of a “stampede” as emergency responders rushed to the scene. They found three individuals with gunshot wounds and another person who had been trampled during the rush to safety. Among the victims was a 15-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot wound to his foot. The other victims included a teenager and a 24-year-old man. Fortunately, none of the injuries were life-threatening, and all four were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
As officers worked the scene, they began searching for a suspect. The police had not identified anyone at the time but assured the public that they were conducting a thorough investigation. Lt. Dan Beckwith of the Davis Police Department described the shooting as an isolated incident, emphasizing that Davis remains a safe community.
Picnic Day is a tradition at UC Davis, featuring a parade, various performances, and activities for families. This year’s event was particularly well-attended, with beautiful weather contributing to the festive atmosphere before the shooting disrupted the day.
In the aftermath, police urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact them. The city of Davis has established a “Safety Enhancement Zone” for the event, which has been in place since 2011 to deter undesirable behavior, but this incident has raised concerns about safety at community gatherings.