2 killed, 5 injured in San Bernardino nightclub shooting

ByMarc Cota-Robles and Rob McMillan KABC logo
Thursday, March 5, 2015
2 killed, 5 injured in San Bernardino nightclub shooting
Two people were killed and five others were injured in what police described as a gang-related shooting at a San Bernardino nightclub early Wednesday morning.

LOMA LINDA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two people were killed and five others were wounded in what police described as a gang-related shooting at a San Bernardino nightclub early Wednesday morning.

Authorities said shots were fired at around 1:47 a.m. outside the Stingers Bar & Nightclub in the 100 block of West Club Drive. San Bernardino police said members of a motorcycle gang were present at the club.

Witnesses told police several people were denied access to the bar because they were possibly gang rivals of subjects who were already inside. The subjects loitered in the parking lot after being denied entry, and police were called. Responding officers asked the subjects to leave and they complied, but as the crowd let out of the bar during closing time, the uncooperative subjects returned and a shooting ensued.

The deceased victims were identified as Petetrial Michael Scott and Jerry Jamale Jackson.

The injured victims are both men and women. Of the injured, two were said to be in critical condition with one suffering from a gunshot wound to the back of the head. The remaining three injured victims were treated and released.

Police also said there was a second shooting at a nearby Arco gas station. Investigators said the two shootings are related, but they are treating them as separate incidents.

According to officials, approximately 20-30 rounds were fired in the club parking lot, and more rounds were fired at the gas station.

One of the deceased victims was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he died. After hearing of his death, up to 75 people stormed the hospital's emergency room, according to police.

"We understand that you're grieving. It's never comfortable to lose a family member or even a close friend," said Lt. Rich Lawhead with San Bernardino police.

But police said the commotion escalated to the point where one detective was hit with hot coffee. No arrests were made, and the group was finally escorted out. Police said many are members of a known motorcycle gang.

Officers responding to the club found approximately 200 people outside the establishment. Eugene Jones, who was promoting the club's Taco Tuesday event, said the shooting happened when everyone was leaving.

"People were going out towards the front door, and that's when we heard all the gunshots going on, just rapid gunfire," said Jones, adding that some of the victims are his friends.

Jones said workers at the club do not promote violence in any way, even turning people away for not wearing the right attire.

"We try to make it safe. We try to make good for the community," Jones said. "The wrong people come out and that's what happens."

Police said they will review surveillance footage from the gas station and the club. Both shootings remain under investigation.

There have been previous shootings at the club in the past - in September 2010 and November 2013. Police said the area is known for gang activity.

There was no suspect information immediately available. Anyone who may have witnessed the shootings was urged to contact the San Bernardino Police Department at (909) 384-5742.