2 Shot, Wounded Inside Benicia Bar; Armed Suspect Takes Off On Foot: Police

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – Police are seeking a man who allegedly fired shots inside a Benicia bar early this morning, injuring two patrons, according to police.

At around 1:30 a.m., a 911 caller said a man armed with a gun was inside the Bottom of the Fifth at 498 Military East, according to police.

As officers were en route to the scene, they received additional reports of shots fired inside the bar with two people were injured.

Once at the scene, officers found a Benicia man and a Texas man, both 45 years old, suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening, police said.

Witnesses told officers a verbal argument had occurred at the bar before the man brandished a gun and fired it. The suspect then left the bar, running north, according to police.

Officers were unable to locate the suspect, but they did recover shell casings from the scene as well as video of the shooting, police said.

The gunman was described as a Hispanic man with a short, heavy build, wearing a dark beanie, a dark hooded sweatshirt and baggy gray sweatpants, according to police.

The family-owned Bottom of the Fifth is a popular sports bar, gathering spot and eatery in Benicia.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Benicia police at (707) 745-4311 or the Solano Crime Stoppers at (770) 644-7867. Callers have the option to remain anonymous.

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--Bay City News contributed to this report/Shutterstock image