4 shot at religious retreat facility east of Temecula

Four people were shot and at least two hospitalized Tuesday night at a Korean retreat in the hills east of Temecula, and investigators were continuing to search the area for possible additional victims.

Details of the incident were sketchy, but a spokesman for the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said investigators believe a suspected gunman may be among the injured.

Deputies, police and emergency rescue vehicles poured into the area along California 79 after a report of an assault with a deadly weapon was received at 7:23 p.m., said Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela.

Initial reports were that there were several victims, she said. Two people with gunshot wounds were found and transported to the hospital. Their condition was not immediately available. As investigators searched the sprawling retreat later, two more victims in critical condition were discovered, Valenzuela said.

Sheriff Department spokesman Dennis Gutierrez said investigators did not think any gunmen were at large.

The Kkottongnae Retreat Camp, run by the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus, is in the 38700 block of Highway 79.