Neighbor Recounts Chaos Following Birthday Party Shooting

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Police say there were around 30 children attending a 1-year-old's birthday party at Peregrine Park, along with 30 adults. But when dozens of shots rang out, people had nowhere to run – so many ran for cover to the nearest home.

"We thought it was firecrackers going off … then we heard people screaming," said a neighbor who did not want to be identified.

A day later, food and decorations were still strewn about the park -- left there when the gunfire suddenly erupted.

A man in his 20's was killed; six others were hurt, including a 7-year-old girl shot in the leg.

"I looked out the peep-hole and saw a couple of kids, maybe a 5-year-old and some teenagers kind of trying to hide behind the cement post there. So I opened the door and ushered them in," the neighbor said.

The neighbor did not want to show her face on camera because police believe the shooting may be gang-related. She said several kids and mothers holding babies fled to her home for safety. She opened her door to them as she called 911.

"You can't leave them out in a dangerous situation like that. You get them in and get them back away from the doors," she said.

Police say a car pulled up to the party around 5 p.m. Saturday. More than one person got out, approached some adults at the party and started firing.

"[It's] just terrifying for the kids. They just didn't know what to do. They were screaming for their mothers and, you know, crying," the neighbor said.

It was a terrifying experience for the kids -- definitely one they'll never forget.

"How does anybody walk up and shoot into a birthday party? A child's birthday party," the woman said. "Adults can have their differences and for whatever, but how do you do that to children?"