Shooting at Fiesta wounds 1
Man arrested, event closes early
Violence erupted at Sunday night at Fiesta Days — wounding one, resulting in the arrest of another, causing a brief panic and ultimately ending with the early closure of the event.
Tensions started around 7:45 p.m. when two 18-year-old men got into an argument and words escalated into a physical fight, advised Vacaville police Sgt. Frank Piro. A Suisun City man later identified as Herman Torres-Bernal then pulled a firearm, Piro said, and shot the victim, a Fairfield resident, in the leg.
Officers patrolling the carnival area heard gunfire and went to investigate. They found the victim and performed medical aid. The victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital.
Meanwhile, a suspect description was provided and an off-duty Vacaville officer caught the suspect near the Fiesta Garden, Piro said.
Torres-Bernal was arrested and booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and on a juvenile probation violation. He is being held without bail. An arraignment is set for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Solano County Superior Court in Fairfield.
Piro confirmed reports of a panic-fueled stampede following the shooting, and social media reports were rife with tales of the violence and its aftermath.
“Was anyone trampled in the panic? My grandson and his cousin (both 10) were at the corner of the park near the Lucky's parking lot, so they ran across Monte Vista, almost got hit by cars, and locked with others in Subway,” wrote one Vacaville resident in response to the Police Department's initial post. “My daughter and her husband were getting (ready) to go into Makse, and a tidal wave of people ran out of the park.”
A Facebook post in the group Solano County Community Awareness referenced the melee.
“I just got a text from someone saying everyone is running down Monte vista (sic). How terrible,” wrote one woman.
“yes (sic) businesses are locking doors because people are taking cover inside,” wrote another.
“people (sic) were literally knocking kids over and pushing them out of the way. It was ridiculous,” advised a third. “it (sic) was so sad I had to pick up my daughter in her stroller to get away from everyone running. Kids were getting stuck in the rides because people were pushing over the fences.”
Fiesta officials Sunday night confirmed reports of the shooting, assuring that no one else was injured and that festivities set for Monday, the final day of Fiesta Days, would continue.
A statement was posted to Facebook on Monday morning. It read: “Last nights (sic) incident was an isolated incident. It does not define our community, who is standing together against violence. It's sad that two individuals, from out of town, believe that they could destroy our 65 year anniversary of our event. We would like to express our greatest gratitude towards Vacaville police department (sic) for their swift actions that lead to the capture of the individuals involved.
“Although the incident was quickly resolved, the need to thoroughly investigate the crime scene led to the closure of the stage and nearby concessions stands. The festival will resume (Monday), as planned.”