Woman Was Killed When She Was Hit by a Suspect’s Automobile Following a Robbery Attempt at Fashion Island in Newport Beach

A 69-year-old woman was slain during a robbery attempt Tuesday afternoon on Fashion Island in Newport Beach, according to authorities.

Officers responded to the area near the Barnes & Noble bookstore around 3:30 p.m.

According to the Newport Beach Police Department, the woman and her husband were walking when two suspects approached them unexpectedly.

They attempted to rob the couple, resulting in a battle, according to authorities. The suspects then tried to flee in a white Toyota Camry.

“One of the suspects ran while the vehicle fled and actually struck the female victim,” said Newport Beach Police Public Information Officer Steve Oberon. “The male suspect that ran got back into the vehicle at which point some rounds were fired from a handgun and the vehicle fled the scene.”

Initially, reports stated that the woman had been shot, but police later established that she had been tragically struck by the Camry. Police stated no one was hit by gunshots.

During a press conference Tuesday, police said one of the suspects pulled the woman down the street during the heist. Oberon stated that her spouse was not believed to be hurt.

Three suspects were apprehended following a brief pursuit.

According to police, one suspect was caught in Cypress, and two more were arrested in South Gate, Los Angeles County.

AIR7 caught many Newport Beach police officers surrounding a residence in South Gate, several with firearms drawn and aiming toward the back.

Shopping mall fright

As the mayhem unfolded, one woman who works just a few storefronts down from where the shooting occurred stated that she initially had no idea what was going on.

“A lady entered with her daughter, screaming, ‘There’s a shooter!'” “There is a shooter,” she recalled. “We ended up locking down with a lot of customers in there and then waiting.”

A 69-year-old woman was killed by a suspect’s automobile after being robbed with her husband at Fashion Island in Newport Beach on Tuesday afternoon, according to authorities.
The employee stated that her store was shut down for approximately an hour until everyone was released.

“There was just a lot of people who were afraid, just a very scary thing when you’re working,” she told me.

We need to do better as a society. We cannot allow this.

Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill slammed the suspects, branding them “creeps” and condemning the “astonishing, staggering” act.

“Newport Beach is a safe community, and we are mourning the loss of someone,” he stated. “Honestly, to hell with these men… They are goons. Every town is currently dealing with this. We need to do better as a society. We cannot put up with this.

O’Neill applauded law enforcement for apprehending the three male suspects, but added, “None of that brings her back.”

O’Neill underlined that the mall’s proprietors provide “phenomenal security” and that it is a safe environment for shoppers.

“Frankly, I would have no problem returning here with my family.”

This incident is still under investigation.