Father of 2 killed in shooting outside Walnut Creek bar

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- Police in Walnut Creek are looking for the shooter responsible for their first homicide of the year. The victim was shot and killed outside a popular sports bar.

Many residents are shocked after hearing a man a man was shot as he came out of Crogan's Sports Bar.

Samuel Morales took cover inside the bar where he works when gunshots echoed from the intersection of Locust and Cypress streets.

"I look over at street and see the flash of a gun. It was like six shots," Morales said. "After that, there was a lot of police here. I go check and it was one guy was laying on the ground."

It happened about 1:30 a.m. One victim lay bleeding.

"Our officers responded to area and located Courtney Brown suffering from three gunshot wounds to the back," said Walnut Creek Lt. Tom Cashion.

Police say 38-year-old Courtney Brown had just left Crogan's Sports Bar when he was confronted by a gunman in his 20s. Brown died later at a hospital. The gunman ran from the scene.

"All information thus far indicates this was not a random event," Cahsion said.

Police are investigating a motive and if Brown knew his killer.

"I don't even know what I think of that, pretty crazy," said one resident.

Locals say homicides don't happen in Walnut Creek

"Surprised, this is such a safe area. Nothing like this since I've been here has ever happened before. So, just a little shocking," said Walnut Creek resident Keri Hogan.

Vince Crews manages the Walnut Creek Yacht Club. He says there's a busy late night crowd downtown most weekends. Several years ago, the city cracked down on late night bars, requiring many to stop serving alcohol by 1:30 a.m.

"Lot of foot traffic. There's a police presence, always a police presence," Crews said.

The manager at Crogan's Bar had no comment. Police say Brown leaves behind two daughters.