Man shot in East Porterville incident

A 27-year-old man was treated and released for a gunshot wound after he was shot during a confrontation in the 200 block of South Maurer Street in East Porterville Wednesday.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Pixley Substation Lt. Al Gilafate said the shooting occurred about 2 p.m. within two blocks of John J. Doyle Elementary School.

Although no children were ever threatened and the school did not go into lockdown, the shots were heard and made for some uneasy minutes, reported a teacher at the school.

Gilafate said the TCSD got a call of a gunshot victim on South Maurer, but before they arrived they learned the victim had been taken to Sierra View District Hospital in a private vehicle. He was treated and released.

Gilafate said they learned that several people got into an altercation before shots were fired.

He said the incident is believed to be gang-related and the TCSD gang unit is investigating the incident. He said it was unknown at this time how many people were involved and if the suspects fled on foot or by vehicle. Officers did search for a vehicle for while, but Gilafate said they are not certain if it was involved or just in the area at the time of the shooting.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Crystal Derrington at 733-6218 or by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to 725-4194.