4 dead, 5 injured in shooting at popular California biker bar spurred by dispute involving retired cop: reports
A gunman who killed three people and wounded five others inside a popular biker bar in Orange County, California, Wednesday night was a former police officer.
John Snowling, who retired nearly a decade ago as a sergeant, was identified as the shooter by officials with the Ventura Police Department, where he worked for 27 years.
“Our hearts weigh heavy with the distressing incident at Cook’s Corner,” said Ventura PD Chief Darin Schindler in a statement. “Our deepest condolences are with the families of the victims, the survivors and the Orange County deputies who swiftly responded to the scene. This incident deeply affects us all.”
Snowling targeted his estranged wife, Marie, who was shot in the lower jaw, according to the Orange County Register.
Marie Snowling filed for divorce in December 2022, according to court records viewed by The Post.
Her father, William Mosby, told the Orange County Register his estranged son-in-law was a “crazy husband” who couldn’t deal with the divorce. Mosby said his daughter was alive and was rushed to UCI Medical Center.
The mayhem began shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday as a domestic dispute between Snowling and his wife inside the bar, Orange County Sheriff’s officials said.
He allegedly shot his wife and another seven people, including a cook, Orange County Sheriff’s officials said.
Six people, including five with gunshot wounds, were hospitalized, authorities said.
Two were critically injured, with one shot in the chest.
The chef who was shot in the arm will undergo surgery on Thursday.
Three other men with minor injuries were treated and released Wednesday night, Mission Hospital officials said.
Two of them were critically injured, while the other four were listed in stable condition.
Deputies shot Snowling outside the bar as he was heading to his truck, apparently to reload, according to a witness.
Another witness, whose friend was shot in the back as they ran from the gunfire and is believed to be among the dead, told KCAL that they first heard five to six shots from inside the bar and then a pause followed by a barrage of additional gunshots.
He told the station he initially thought his friend had tripped.
He said he hid in the bar’s kitchen with a chef who was shot in the arm.
No deputies were injured during the shooting.
Investigators recovered one firearm from the scene.
Locals said the historic bar, which opened in 1926, was likely packed at the time of the gunfire as patrons came for its unlimited spaghetti night and a live band.
Undersheriff Jeff Hallock described the watering hole as “a beloved part” of the community.
FBI agents are helping with the investigation.
