One dead after active shooter incident in Roseville, suspect detained

Updated April 7, 2023, 3:56 p.m. At least one hostage victim is dead and one other is in an unknown condition after an active shooter situation Thursday afternoon in Roseville, according to Roseville Police Capt. Kelby Newton. The incident started at approximately 12:30 p.m. Thursday when California Highway Patrol (CHP) attempted to serve a warrant to Eric J. Abril, 35, of Roseville, Newton said. The Roseville Police Department responded to assist a CHP Task Force Officer after "shots fired" was broadcast over the police radio. CHP confirmed one of their officers was struck by gun shots at Mahany Park off Pleasant Grove Boulevard and Woodcreek Oaks Blvd. CHP, Roseville Police Department, city of Roseville, Parks and Recreation and the Roseville Fire Department all responded to the scene. A Roseville Police Department press release said that firefighters were present at Fire Station 5, located in Mahany Park, and heard active gunfire. They called for additional resources, exited the station and were able to safely move the wounded CHP officer inside and provided medical care before they were transported to a local hospital. The suspect fled the scene, ran through Mahany Park and took two civilian hostages near the greenbelt area, according to law enforcement. CHP Officer Ricardo Ortiz said that Abril was approached at the park with a warrant to search Abril's vehicle and residence, not an arrest warrant. However, he may have fled for other reasons. "Abril was wanted for questioning in connection to a freeway shooting in Sacramento," Ortiz said. Ortiz said he didn't know the details of the Sacramento shooting, but it could have added to why Abril ran. Roseville police said both adult hostages were shot by the suspect. One was pronounced deceased at the scene and the other was taken to a local hospital for what appeared to be non life-threatening injuries. The deceased has been identified as James MacEgan of Roseville and the second victim has been identified as his spouse. Abril sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital Thursday, according to law enforcement. On Friday at 3:30 p.m. Roseville Police Department Lt. Chris Ciampa said Abril is still hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Newton said "it was a rapidly escalating situation" and that this is an ongoing investigation at Thursday's press conference. While the activity was in progress, Roseville Parks and Recreation and library staff notified park visitors and locked down the indoor facilities and pool to protect park visitors which included 33 children attending spring break camps, according to Roseville Police Department A witness from the indoor facility said to Gold Country Media that they were on lock-down for about an hour. "I want to thank the parks maintenance, library and recreation staff for acting quickly to notify playground visitors and locking down our buildings. We train for this type of incident, but truly hope to never have to use that training," said Roseville City Manager Dominick Casey. No city staff or individuals using the indoor facilities were injured. Children from the camps were reunited with their parents at nearby Quail Glen Elementary School. "Roseville Police and Fire departments train regularly for all kinds of incidents in case they come to our city, like today," said Roseville Police Chief Troy Bergstrom. "That training helped contain the situation so there was no additional loss of life." Mahany Park softball fields, baseball fields and dog park were closed Friday. "On behalf of the Roseville City Council and City employees, we extend and offer our support and condolences to the victims, their families, all who witnessed this tragic incident and those who responded," said Roseville Mayor Bruce Houdesheldt. "Roseville is known as a safe and caring community that looks out for one another. Times like this are when we are at our strongest and best." Gold Country Media will continue to monitor this ongoing story. Check back for updates.