After shootings in multiple locations took place early this morning in California, including at an elementary school, five people are reported dead, CBS News reports.
The tragic shooting took place earlier today in Tehama County, California when the shooter — who was shot and killed by officers — reportedly started firing at Rancho Tehama Elementary School just before 8 a.m. this morning.
BREAKING: At least 3 dead in shooting in Tehama Co. it started at a home and moved to the school. Shooter shot and killed by police. pic.twitter.com/xIKvyIxq4y
— Sara Stinson (@SaraStinsonNews) November 14, 2017
“I know that we have [airlifted] a number of students,” Tehama County Assistant Sheriff, Phil Johnson, told the Los Angeles Times.
Thankfully, there are no reported deaths at the elementary school. However, Fox 5 News reports that students as young as six were caught in the shooters line of fire. While the remaining students were able to be evacuated from the school and only two students were wounded, victims from the other sites weren’t as fortunate.
According to Fox 5 News, the shootings started at home prior to the attack on the elementary school, where the gunman stole a neighbor’s truck and killed the same neighbor’s roommate.
Here is part of an interview with the man who says his truck was stolen and his roommate was shot and killed by the alleged shooter who is described as a known felon in his 50’s named Kevin. #RanchoTehamashooting pic.twitter.com/ZNdwmdOwU7
— Sara Stinson (@SaraStinsonNews) November 14, 2017
Johnston told Fox 5 News that his officers recovered a semiautomatic rifle and two handguns from the shooter. He adds that there are more than 100 officers at several crimes scene locations in Tehama County.
“I thought this only happens to places like L.A. or New York,” the owner of La Fortune Convenience told the LA Times. While this rural town in Northern California might not have a high crime rate, mass shootings aren’t a problem exclusive to metro areas.
Law enforcement officers are reportedly continuing to investigate the multiple shooting sites.
In a statement, California Gov. Jerry Brown offered condolences and words of support to Tehama County: “Anne and I are saddened to hear about today’s violence in Tehama County, which shockingly involved schoolchildren. We offer our condolences to the families who lost loved ones and unite with all Californians in grief.”