MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) -- Investigators are searching for answers after two people were shot and killed overnight Monday near a popular state beach midway down the Monterey Bay coastline.
Just before 2 a.m., the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, along with the California State Parks Police and California Highway Patrol, responded to Jetty Road near Moss Landing State Beach after a 911 caller reported hearing gunshots. Arriving authorities found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both of the victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
A short time later, a third individual arrived at a local hospital suffering from gunshot wounds believed to be sustained during the Jetty Road shooting. The current condition of the third individual is unknown at this time, officials said at a 12:30 p.m. news conference.
A fourth person was transported from the shooting scene with non-life-threatening injuries, said MCSO Public Information Officer Andres Rosas.
Officials are working to identify the two individuals who were killed, Rosas said.
The shooter remains unidentified. Rosas said a suspect may still be at large, however, he stated that there is no active threat to the local community at this time. The incident has not been declared a homicide by authorities.
Moss Landing State Beach closes at sunset, California State Parks Chief Ranger Mike Dippel said at the news conference. The entrance gate at Highway 1 that opens to Jetty Road and leads to the beach was not closed overnight by parks staff, which he said is not uncommon.
Jetty Road and Moss Landing State Beach remain closed to the public Monday afternoon as the investigation continues. Dippel said California State Parks would be increasing patrols in the coming days.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at 831-755-5111.
