Three hospitalized after shooting at Featherly Regional Park in California’s Yorba Linda; Investigation underway

Shooting at Southern California Wilderness Park Leaves Three Injured

Three individuals were hospitalized on Sunday, May 5, 2025, following a shooting at Featherly Regional Park in Yorba Linda, California. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the park’s Canyon RV Park section. All victims were transported to a nearby hospital, but their conditions have not yet been disclosed. As of the latest official statement, there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that the scene has been secured and that investigations are actively underway to determine the cause and circumstances of the shooting. Officials have not released any details regarding a suspect or motive, and no arrests have been announced.

What Happened at Featherly Regional Park?

The incident occurred within the Canyon RV Park, a privately operated area situated inside the larger Featherly Regional Park in northeastern Orange County. Deputies arrived at the scene after receiving emergency calls from park visitors reporting the sound of gunshots. Multiple emergency medical units also responded, providing immediate aid to the victims before transporting them to hospital facilities.

The identities of the victims remain confidential pending notification of family members. No further details about the nature of their injuries have been released by medical officials. Law enforcement officers continued to canvas the area through Sunday evening, conducting witness interviews and searching for forensic evidence.

Officials have not confirmed whether the victims were targeted or if the incident was random. The Sheriff’s Department is encouraging anyone who was at the park during the time of the incident to come forward with relevant information or media evidence.

Where Did the Shooting Take Place and Why Is It Significant?

Featherly Regional Park is part of the Santa Ana River corridor, known for its expansive natural landscape and recreational offerings, including hiking, picnicking, and camping. The Canyon RV Park, where the shooting took place, is a well-used site often populated by families and travelers throughout weekends and holidays. The event occurred during a period of peak footfall, heightening concern among local residents.

This marks a rare occurrence of gun violence in a Southern California wilderness recreation zone, as most firearm-related incidents in the region are typically concentrated in urban or suburban areas. Featherly Regional Park is considered a relatively safe location, making Sunday’s incident all the more alarming for those familiar with the venue.

While Orange County has experienced intermittent public safety incidents in past years, shootings within open-space parks are infrequent, adding urgency to the ongoing investigation.

What Have Authorities Said About the Ongoing Investigation?

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department stated that their officers arrived at the site within minutes of receiving the initial emergency call. Deputies secured the park and assisted emergency responders in providing aid to the injured. A department spokesperson informed media outlets that the investigation is in its preliminary stages and that more updates would be shared as additional facts are confirmed.

Officials have not provided details on whether a firearm was recovered at the scene or whether any individual has been detained for questioning. The area was cordoned off for forensic analysis, and law enforcement units were seen collecting evidence and speaking with visitors who may have witnessed the shooting.

As of Monday morning, the Sheriff’s Department has not issued any description of a suspect or vehicle. The department is actively reviewing any available surveillance footage from RVs and park security cameras and is asking for community cooperation in identifying any relevant material.

How Has the Local Community Reacted to the Incident?

Residents of Yorba Linda and the surrounding Orange County region expressed concern over the shooting, particularly given the family-oriented nature of Featherly Park. The park is often a site for school outings, nature camps, and holiday RV trips, and the idea of a shooting occurring in such a setting has alarmed many in the community.

While local officials have urged the public to remain calm, they acknowledged the emotional impact of the event and indicated that support services would be made available for those affected. Community leaders have also called for enhanced security measures across regional parks, including improved lighting, surveillance, and ranger patrols, especially during weekends.

Has There Been a Recent History of Violence in Public Parks in California?

Incidents of gun violence in California’s state and regional parks are relatively rare, but they are not unprecedented. Over the past decade, there have been isolated incidents of violence in areas with heavy foot traffic, particularly during high-attendance events. The state’s outdoor recreation sector has also seen an increase in visitation since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has at times placed strain on safety infrastructure.

This latest event is expected to renew discussions on whether current safety measures at wilderness parks are sufficient. Some policy experts have previously called for the deployment of more surveillance equipment and on-site law enforcement presence during peak times in public parks.

Featherly Regional Park’s combination of public space and private concessions such as the Canyon RV Park makes oversight more complex. Law enforcement coordination between the private RV park operators and county agencies will likely be examined in light of the shooting.

What Happens Next in the Investigation?

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has launched a formal investigation, with support from crime scene units and forensic specialists. Detectives are reviewing physical evidence from the site and have begun examining digital materials such as cellphone footage from park visitors. Officials are also working to identify all individuals who were present during the incident and who may have observed the shooter or unusual activity.

Investigators are expected to release further details regarding the victims’ conditions, identities, and possible suspect profiles in the coming days. Until then, the Sheriff’s Department continues to request assistance from the public and has established a tip line for anonymous submissions.

Updates from the department will be published via official channels and local media as new information becomes available. Law enforcement agencies in the region are on alert, though they have reiterated that Sunday’s event does not currently appear to pose an ongoing threat to the public.