Newport Beach, Calif. — Tragedy struck at Fashion Island in Newport Beach Tuesday afternoon when a 69-year-old woman was killed following a violent robbery attempt. The incident took place near a popular bookstore around 3:30 p.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement authorities.
Authorities reported that the woman and her husband were confronted by two individuals intent on robbery. The confrontation escalated into a physical struggle, during which the robbers attempted to escape in a white Toyota Camry. In their haste, one of the suspects drove the vehicle into the woman while fleeing the scene.
Newport Beach Police Public Information Officer Steve Oberon detailed the harrowing moments: the fleeing suspect, after hitting the woman, momentarily exited the car, during which a series of gunshots were fired from a handgun. Fortunately, there were no injuries from the gunfire. Initial confusion around whether the woman was shot was later clarified by the police, confirming that the fatal injuries were a result of being struck by the vehicle.
During the robbery, the woman was dragged on the street, adding to the brutality of the attack. Her husband, however, did not sustain any injuries. The chaos and violence of the robbery led to widespread fear among shoppers and workers, with one employee recalling how she and others sheltered in place under the impression that an active shooter was on the premises.
The situation culminated in a brief pursuit resulting in the arrest of three suspects. The arrests took place in two locations; one was apprehended in Cypress, and the other two were detained in South Gate, both within Los Angeles County. This led to a significant law enforcement presence, including drawn weapons, as officers saturated the area to secure the suspects’ capture.
As news of the incident spread, Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill was vociferous in his condemnation of the act, expressing his outrage at the heartless nature of the crime and the grief it has brought to the community. He underscored the character of Newport Beach as a typically safe environment, shaken by such a bold and violent act.
“The sheer audacity and cruelty of this incident are beyond words. Our community is in mourning, and it is imperative that we come together to uphold our values and ensure the safety of all citizens,” O’Neill stated. In light of the violence, he reinforced the competence of local law enforcement and the security measures in place at the mall, emphasizing his trust in these institutions to safeguard public safety.
The incident is currently under thorough investigation as officials work to piece together the events and bring justice to the victim and her family. The community of Newport Beach remains in shock, grappling with the reality of the violence that has breached their peace and safety.