Incident Overview
A 69-year-old woman was tragically killed during an attempted robbery at a shopping mall in Newport Beach, Orange County. The incident occurred in broad daylight, causing significant outrage within the community.
Robbery and Struggle
The victim and her husband were standing near a Barnes and Noble bookstore when two young men approached and attempted to rob them. A struggle ensued, dragging the altercation into the parking lot.
Getaway Car Involvement
During the struggle, the suspects attempted to escape in a white Toyota Camry. One of the attackers fired a gun, though no one was injured by the gunfire. The other suspect managed to get into the car and drove away, tragically striking the woman in the process.
Immediate Aftermath
The woman was killed on the spot, and a Good Samaritan tried to perform CPR on her. A food delivery service driver arrived at the scene and witnessed the attempt to save her life.
Suspects Apprehended
Newport Beach patrol officers quickly located the getaway car, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in Southgate. The suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but were eventually captured.
Community and Official Response
The Newport Beach mayor expressed gratitude towards the police and surrounding law enforcement agencies for their swift action in capturing the suspects. The victim’s husband was not physically injured but is dealing with significant emotional trauma.
Investigation Ongoing
Details regarding what the criminals were after, such as jewelry or shopping bags, are still under investigation. Further information will be revealed as the investigation progresses.
