The Alameda County Sheriff's Department said two people were killed and two others are injured following a reported dispute between two groups that led up to the shooting.
[Ads /]
Authorities say the shooting happened at the 21200 block of Mission Boulevard in Hayward just after 1:30 a.m. near Cherry Way.
One person was shot and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was shot and later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
There's no word yet on the conditions of the two other victims.
"We have no reason to believe this is a continuing safety concern," the sheriff's department tweeted.
[Ads /]
Hayward residents who lived near the lounge say the area is usually quiet, but the lounge is not the safest for the neighborhood.
"I want to say this area is safe," said Kimberly Maximo, who heard the shooting from her home. "But I want to say that hookah lounge right there is not safe to be near homes with a lot of people and kids in it."
INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker
Maximo says her sister and her were awake when it happened. At first, her sister thought they were fireworks, but soon they heard police sirens.
"I was pretty sure in my head they were gunshots," she said. "Me and my sister got shoes went out to go check what was going on. I'm pretty sure she saw the body and police officers standing around it."
[Ads /]
Deputies with the Alameda County Crime Prevention and Crime Reduction Units say they have responded to numerous calls for disturbances involving intoxicated patrons for the past two years.
The hookah lounge's owner was cited for safety violations and violations for tobacco and alcohol sales without proper permits and licensing, according to the Alameda County Code Enforcement and Board Zoning.
Investigators are asking homes and businesses in the area to provide security camera recordings in hopes the video may help lead to an arrest.