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Half Moon Bay mass shooting considered “workplace violence” by San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office says a deadly mass shooting that claimed the lives of seven people was a case of "workplace violence."

The shooter, identified as Chunli Zhao, is expected to be arraigned on charges related to the shooting Wednesday afternoon.

Victims of the shooting were not identified at the press conference as the sheriff's office says they're still attempting to notify family members about those who were killed or injured in the shooting.

The sheriff's office did confirm the victims included seven males and one female who were a mix of Asian and Hispanic heritage. Investigators couldn't say if the lone female victim was the one still receiving treatment.

As for the suspect, deputies say there were no specific indicators that would lead the sheriff's office to believing the suspect would commit such a violent attack.

The San Mateo County District Attorney going so far as to say this type of case with this many deaths "has never happened in [San Mateo County]."

Investigators would not share what the suspect was upset about that caused him to start shooting.

At least seven dead in Half Moon Bay mass shooting, suspect arrested

HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON JAN. 23, 2023 AT 6:51 PM The suspect in a deadly shooting that left seven dead in Half Moon Bay has been identified as Chunli Zhao.

The 67-year-old was arrested at a San Mateo Sheriff's office substation at about 4:40 p.m.

According to the San Mateo Sheriff's Office at 2:22 pm, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 12700 block of San Mateo Road (SR-92) in unincorporated San Mateo County on a report of a shooting with multiple victims.

Four victims with gunshot wounds were found deceased. A fifth victim survived and was taken to Stanford Medical Center with life threatening injuries.

Zhao is from Halfmoon Bay believed to be a worker at either Mushroom farm.

Suspect: Chunli Zhao, 67

UPDATE ON JAN. 23, 2023 AT 5:20 PM: At least four people are reported dead in a shooting in Half Moon Bay.

According to our sister station KPIX, one crime scene was reported at the Magic Mushroom Farm at 12761 San Mateo Road/Highway 92, while a second crime scene was reported at 2125 Cabrillo Highway S./Highway 1.

The San Benito County Sheriff's Office did confirm to KPIX that seven people have died.

According to law enforcement sources, the suspect in the shootings drove himself to the substation and surrendered to deputies.

Chopper footage over a person being arrested following a shooting in Half Moon Bay. Courtesy of KPIX.

We are working on getting more information at this time.

UPDATE ON JAN. 23, 2023 AT 4:53 PM: The San Mateo Sheriff's Office has announced that a suspect is in custody. Deputies said there is currently no ongoing threat to the community at this time.

There is no word from the Sheriff's Office if any victims have died in this shooting.

Original Story

The San Mateo Sheriff's Office is responding a shooting incident with mulitple victims in Half Moon Bay on Monday afternoon.

The Sheriff's Office tweeted out an update on the situation around 3:48 p.m. Deputies said a media staging would be located at a substation on 537 Kelly Avenue.

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Derrick Ow

Assignment Editor for KION News Channel 5/46

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