A gunman opened fire at an apartment complex yesterday, killing one person and leaving seven others seriously wounded.
According to the San Diego Police Department, 49-year-old Peter Selis began shooting at a large birthday party at a pool of a luxury apartment complex, where he is thought to have lived, in the city yesterday evening.
9-1-1 dispatchers say that the shooter seemed to be targeting people of colour at the party.
Shooting in San Diego pic.twitter.com/dJxvvXRBij
— jonathan_biles (@jbiless) May 1, 2017
Selis shot eight people inside the gated pool area, and one of his victims, a young woman, was killed. The other seven victims, all black and Hispanic, are still being treated for gunshot wounds at a nearby hospital.
One witness said the shooter was sitting down, having a beer when he began shooting. Pointing his weapon at police when they arrived, Selis was shot by officers on the scene and killed.
Witness: Gunman @ LaJolla Crossroads Apts.was sitting in poolside chair. Beer in 1 hand, gun in other firing shots #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/7Yntzx1N8a
— Omari Fleming (@OmariNBCSD) May 1, 2017
San Diego Police Chief Shelly Zimmerman said it is unknown yet if the incident was a hate crime, and sent her thoughts and prayers to those recovering in hospital.
Some of the victims are said to be in critical condition according to authorities.
Scene of shooting in UTC apartment complex. Witness says gunman was sitting by pool drinking a beer as he shot at people. @CBS8 pic.twitter.com/NLsfiQ33Av
— Dominic Garcia (@DomCBS8) May 1, 2017