STOCKTON, Calif. — A tragic incident unfolded at a child’s birthday celebration in California, resulting in four fatalities and multiple injuries, authorities reported on Saturday night.

According to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting erupted around 6 p.m. within a strip mall shopping center situated in Stockton.

Vice Mayor of Stockton, Jason Lee, shared on Facebook that the violence occurred amidst a birthday party for a child.

Officials stated that “approximately 14 individuals suffered gunshot wounds, with four confirmed dead.”

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas and Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi have suggested that among those who lost their lives were children. However, this detail awaits confirmation from the sheriff’s office.

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office, said the gunshot victims included both children and adults.

Early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident,” Brent said during a news conference at the scene.

Detectives were still working to identify a possible motive.

Authorities did not immediately provide additional information about the conditions of the victims. Officials said earlier that several were taken to hospitals.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Stay with us for the latest details on this developing story.