Young father killed, at least two others injured after shooting outside bar in Visalia

There are flowers and a small vigil in downtown Visalia to remember 22-year-old Angel Rudy Salazar, who was shot and killed outside a bar over the weekend.

At least two other people were hit by the gunfire. Action News spoke to the mother of one survivor on Monday.

“No parent should have to bury their children. I’m so grateful and glad that I don’t have to do that and was able to bring my son home. And I think that’s the hardest part, knowing that it could have been him,” said Deidre Johnson.

She says she is grateful that her son was hit by a bullet last weekend but was not seriously injured.

The chaos unfolded in front of the Downtown Rookies Sports Bar & Grill on Main Street in Visalia.

Deidre’s son was caught in the crossfire as he left the bar around 1:30 a.m.

He was shot in the leg and was able to escape back inside, where he was helped by employees who took cover behind the bar.

“I just hear everything in the background. He kept reassuring me that he was fine, but someone else wasn’t,” Deidre recalled the phone call with her son.

Salazar was later identified as the victim of an apparently random shooting.

“This is someone’s child that’s been lost, someone’s friend, son, nephew. And this is absolutely not fair because of a random act of violence,” Deidre explained.

“My prayers go out to the Salazar family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.”

Visalia police say they are not ready to release surveillance video from the area, but people who have seen it say…

“It didn’t appear there had been any interaction beforehand. Four men were seen approaching the gentleman. I am sorry to the family for their loss,” said Steve Nelson, CEO of Downtown Visalians.

Steve hopes that the dozens of cameras they have set up downtown have captured enough evidence to find those involved.

“This will be very important. It means even more attention,” Steve said.

Angel’s family describes him as kind and caring.

He was the father of two young sons.

“People need to think about what they are doing before they do it and what impact it will have on their families,” Deidre said.

She says that her son is also a father and that she is grateful to have him at home.

Both Deidre and the residents of Downtown Visalian said their hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the family affected by this tragedy.

Visalia Police say the investigation is currently ongoing and officers are doing everything in their power to find the suspects and bring them to justice for their actions.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward. You can reach the Visalia Police Department at (559) 734-8117 or here.