A pregnant woman was killed and six other people were wounded when gunfire broke out inside a Spirit Halloween store in Fairfield, Northern California, on Friday evening, police said. The shooting occurred on the eve of Halloween at Solano Town Center, where the seasonal retailer sells costumes and holiday decorations.
Fairfield police said officers were investigating a targeted incident involving a single suspect. In a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday, the department placed the shooting at about 8:30 p.m. Friday. Authorities had made no arrests and were examining video footage and other evidence to determine who was responsible.
Police identified the woman who died as Constance Hages, 31. Her family told authorities that she was pregnant. All six of the other people wounded were male, according to the ages and conditions released by the department. Four remained hospitalized, while two had received treatment and been released.
Three of the wounded, ages 16, 19 and 32, were listed in critical condition. A fourth, a 23-year-old man, was hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The two men who were discharged from the hospital, ages 19 and 43, had been treated for gunshot wounds.
The department said it would not release further information at that point. It acknowledged that the violence had caused concern and uncertainty across the community, particularly as residents prepared for Halloween events and celebrations on Saturday. Police described the incident as frightening and urged people to stay vigilant, watch out for others and report suspicious activity.
Solano Town Center remained open following the shooting, but its planned trick-or-treating event for later on Saturday was canceled. The mall, which has 130 stores and restaurants, said the decision was made because of the previous night's incident. In its statement, the shopping center thanked the public for its patience and understanding.
The FBI's Sacramento office said it was helping Fairfield police with the investigation. Local authorities said their review of recordings and other evidence was aimed at identifying the person behind the shooting, which they characterized as a targeted act of violence.
Fairfield has approximately 120,000 residents and lies about 37 miles, or 60 kilometers, southwest of Sacramento. The city is roughly halfway between the state capital and San Francisco.
