Deputy shoots gunman at Del Mar racetrack before Ice Cube concert

A sheriff’s deputy shot a man who appeared to be firing a weapon into the air outside a scheduled Ice Cube concert at the Del Mar racetrack on Sunday.

The shooting, which occurred during the final race of the day, sparked a chaotic scene. The man who was shot was taken to the hospital; his condition was not known.

A video posted on Twitter showed a sheriff’s deputy pull her gun and fire what sounded like four rounds after a man standing near an entrance gate is seen firing his gun into the air.

Sheriff’s Department officials could not immediately be reached about the shooting.

People at the venue reported seeing police cars responding to the fairgrounds around 6:40 p.m.

The incident took place during the 10th race. In a broadcast of the race posted on Twitter, an announcer repeatedly says, “There’s gunfire at the track,” as horses continue along the course.

A witness said people who were in the concert arena were evacuated, creating gridlock in the parking lot where gates were blocking exits. Concertgoers streamed back through the paddock area of the racetrack.

At 7:22 p.m., the Del Mar racetrack tweeted that the “situation has been contained” and said the concert “is moving forward as planned.” By 8:30 p.m., the concert had begun.

The sold-out show was part of the 2018 Del Mar Summer Concert Series. The concerts are held at the Seaside Stage, near the west end of the racetrack’s grandstand, after the day’s last race.

Del Mar had invited fans who couldn’t get in to watch the concert on TVs throughout the track, including in the paddock area.

The crowd at Del Mar on Sunday was among the largest of the season, approaching the meet-high of 33,112 for opening day.

Kucher, Leonard and Smith write for the San Diego Union-Tribune.

UPDATES:

9:05 p.m.: This article was updated after the concert began.

8:30 p.m.: This article was updated to include more information about the shooting.

8 p.m.: This article was updated to include a tweet from the Del Mar racetrack.

This article was originally published at 7:40 p.m.