Gunshot scares campers at a California campground

Campers in a public campground ran for cover when a gunshot rang out in the Moccasin Campground on the south shore of Lake Camanche in Calaveras County, California, on June 8.

On-duty officer hears a gunshot

A Calaveras County sheriff’s deputy was on patrol at the campground around 9:30 p.m. when he heard a single gunshot. He immediately started looking for the source of the gunfire, while 911 dispatchers were flooded with calls about an active shooter at one of the campsites.

At the campsite, a victim told the deputy he’d been in an argument with the suspect “over a minor vehicle accident.” Things got out of hand, and the suspect pulled a gun and aimed at the victim, telling him he was going to “kill him.”

Backing up his threat, the suspect opened fire, with a single round in the direction of both the victim and others at the campsite. People ran for cover as he took off in a vehicle.

More law enforcement arrived

More sheriff’s deputies and backup officers from the California Highway Patrol came to search for the suspect. He was eventually found near the park’s front gate—trying to make a getaway.

Ismael Viveros, age 28, was arrested and booked for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, felony criminal threats, and felony participation in a criminal street gang. In light of Viveros’ alleged actions and his connection to a street gang, the court granted a “no bail” stipulation to Viveros’ booking.

Why was an officer on scene?

Just how is that a deputy happened to be in the park when the gunfire erupted? The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office has a contract with the utilities district that owns the park. One deputy is assigned year-round, and another is assigned during the spring and summer months to help with the large number of people who come to enjoy outdoor activities. Or get into verbal disputes over minor traffic accidents.

RELATED:

Don’t like guns? Alternatives for self-protection

By Mike Sherman
Do you want to feel protected while camping but you shun guns? There are alternatives that will help you in the event you find yourself under assault, either by an animal, or a human being acting like an animal.

Continue reading.

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