UPDATE 8:55 p.m: Negotiators from the regional police special weapons team are talking by phone with a man detectives believe was responsible for this afternoon’s killing in Larkey Park. The man, who is known to police, is currently believed to be sitting in a car at Howe and Old Orchard roads in Martinez, alternately holding a gun to his head and talking to police negotiators. The area has been sealed off and there are police helicopters orbiting overhead. Residents have been advised to shelter in place.

Original Story:

A man shot and killed a woman at Larkey Park in Walnut Creek Thursday, calmly walking to his car before driving away, according to witnesses.

This is a breaking situation and details are muddy, but initial reports are that the man pulled up in a silver sedan, parked in the 1900 block of 1st Avenue and fired at least four shots at a woman in the area, hitting her at least three times. The murder was reported at approximately 1:30 p.m.

A spokesman for the Walnut Creek Police said the department received a phone call that a female had been shot on the street and sent several officers to the scene.

Officers arrived on scene two minutes after the first call and found a woman down with multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and medical teams provided life saving measures but the victim did not survive her injuries. The nearby Lindsay Wildlife Experience initiated its shelter in place protocol, volunteers said, with police later walking workers to their cars.

Officers and detectives are actively working the scene and attempting to identify the responsible. There are no indicators that the public is in danger, according to police.

UPDATE 5:10 p.m: Walnut Creek police told NEWS24/680 that the car used in today’s homicide has been located not far from Larkey Park and that officers are searching the area with canine teams and helicopters.

An updated description of the car used in the murder was given as a black 2005 Honda Civic, license #5LFG069. Police have identified a possible suspect in this case and are actively searching areas he is known to frequent.

If anyone has information regarding this crime please call Walnut Creek Police Department immediately at 925-935-6400 or Detective Greg Leonard at 925-256-3523.

The gunman reportedly got back into his car after the shooting and left in the direction of 1st Avenue. He was described as a white male, early to mid 30s, 6’3″ tall, 160-200 pounds, wearing a baseball cap and faded red shirt. He was last seen driving a silver-colored Chevy sedan with possible partial plates of TRC443. NOTE: This description may change as additional witnesses are interviewed.

The scene of the shooting has been sealed off by police as investigators and crime scene specialists converge on the area.

We’ll post additional details as we get them.