Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the restaurant and nearby businesses as they work to piece together what happened.

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — Customers who frequent a Vietnamese pho restaurant in unincorporated Sacramento County said they were shaken after learning a robbery, shooting, and carjacking unfolded in the parking lot of a place they often visit with family.

“I come here pretty often. I came here for graduation to celebrate… it’s a pretty chill spot. It’s really nice in there,” said Janet Castro, a Pho Bac Hoa Viet customer. 

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said it happened Monday night around 9:45 p.m. along the 3100 block of Bradshaw Road, just outside Rancho Cordova city limits. Deputies said a man and a woman were leaving the restaurant and walking to their car when three masked suspects dressed in all black confronted them.

Investigators said the suspects had already been waiting in the parking lot and were positioned behind a car when the man and woman came outside. 

“As they were walking out, the three individuals were already hiding behind the vehicle. So as soon as they came out, they were ambushed. At that point, you could see a struggle ensuing with the male again. You can see the female running from the location,” said Sgt. Edward Igoe, spokesman forthe Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. 

During the encounter, the suspects robbed the man of items he had on him, deputies said. The man was shot and taken to a hospital. Authorities said he is not in critical condition.

“I don’t think it’s unusual for this area. I’ve always been very cautious. I’m never on my phone. I don’t play around with anything when I’m walking to and from my car, so I’ll continue to do how I normally do,” said Kiersten Lee Walker, Pho Bac Hoa Viet customer. 

Deputies said the suspects fled the scene in two cars — the car they arrived in and the victim’s car. The stolen vehicle was later recovered empty in the city of Sacramento.

“I can only assume, I would say, based upon their garb and the fact that they’re wearing all dark and masks, they’re out with an intent to do some sort of nefarious deals,” said Sgt. Igoe. 

He said deputies have not established a motive in the case.

Some customers said the incident raised concerns about safety at a restaurant they describe as family-oriented.

“It’s a very family-oriented Asian spot, like I’m there with my niece, my family, so it’s kind of scary to like come back and be like, oh well, somebody just got robbed. That’s scary,” said Jocelyne Gutierrez, a Pho Bac Hoa Viet customer. 

One customer said the restaurant is a place they visit for celebrations and described it as a calm and welcoming environment. Others said they plan to be more cautious when walking to and from their cars but still intend to continue coming to the restaurant.

“The world is changing and we’re aware, but at the same time you can never be too aware. So I think that’s, that’s the lesson learned and it’s sad because we like coming here like I said at least a couple times a month and we’re gonna keep doing it but probably now be more aware,” said Jeremiah Peacock, Pho Bac Hoa Viet customer. 

The restaurant was open on Tuesday and did not appear to be impacted by the incident. Employees declined to comment.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance video from the restaurant and nearby businesses as they work to piece together what happened. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information to call its non-emergency line.

(Editor’s Note: This story was updated to show the restaurant was located in unincorporated Sacramento County, just outside the city limits of Rancho Cordova.)

Rancho Cordova shooting investigation continues

ABC10: Watch, Download, Read