Deadly shootout in Southern California erupts with 2 young children in car

A deadly shootout in San Bernardino County that began as a dispute between two motorists on Saturday unfolded while two small children were in the vehicle, authorities announced.

The incident, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, started as a hit-and-run on the 210 Freeway when the motorcyclist, now identified as Jonathan McConnell, split lanes and collided with the driver of a sedan, now identified as Aaron Harris.

Investigators said that Harris, whose 2-year-old and 5-year-old were in the car with him, followed McConnell off the freeway and into the parking lot of Joy’s Bar and Lounge at 27141 Baseline Street in Highland.

Authorities said that when McConnell stopped, he met with several people familiar to him in front of the bar.

“Harris stopped his vehicle and shouted threats at McConnell,” the release noted. “When McConnell approached the vehicle, Harris fired at McConnell and McConnell returned fire.”

Both men were struck by gunfire.

When deputies arrived at the scene around 8 p.m., they attempted life-saving measures on the men before both were rushed to the hospital. They were later pronounced deceased.

Another adult male at the scene suffered a non-fatal gunshot wound to the hand, authorities said.

The two children and other patrons of the bar and lounge were unhurt during the incident.

Footage of the aftermath obtained by KTLA showed crime scene investigators scouring the location for evidence.

Harris, 30, is survived by a family of four, his cousin Quinten Carr told KTLA’s Gene Kang.

“He was a father, cousin, brother, a loving friend,” he said. “He was a playful person and the life of the party. He kept everyone laughing for sure.”

Some residents who spoke to KTLA said that the bar and lounge, which is advertised as a family friendly restaurant, has no recent history of violence.

“This is the nicer part of the area,” Mason Monreal, who lives nearby, told KTLA.

The deadly incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Det. Shawn Thurman at 909-890-4904. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME or leave tips online at www.wetip.com

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.