NEWPORT BEACH, CA – A violent clash occurred at the Fashion Island Mall, leading to the tragic death of a woman. The suspects sparked a high-speed pursuit across multiple counties following the fatal robbery attempt.
Newport Police Department officials outlined that the crime unfolded around 3:30 p.m. The suspects approached and robbed a 68-year-old woman visiting from New Zealand and her husband outside the Barnes and Noble store at the mall. As they made their getaway in a white car, they hit and fatally injured the woman. The suspects, according to several witnesses, then fired shots as they sped away from the scene.
Reacting to the horrific incident, Newport Beach City Mayor Will O’Neill voiced his deep anguish and anger, denouncing the act as a reprehensible crime.
Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics from the Newport Beach Fire Department discovered a deceased person lying in the parking lot in proximity to the Barnes and Noble store. Expressing their frustration, local authorities remarked on the need for more stringent measures to curb such crimes, as every community is increasingly dealing with them.
Upon receiving numerous 911 calls reporting gunshots, law enforcement engaged in a multi-county vehicle chase of the suspects. During the course of the chase, which led them into Los Angeles County, two suspects reportedly fled from the vehicle near Los Alamitos.
The pursuit intensified as the suspects’ car reached speeds upwards of 110 mph along the westbound 105 Freeway. Following the exit from the freeway, two more individuals abandoned the car and attempted to evade the police on foot, running through a neighborhood in South Gate.
Eventually, law enforcement officers located one of the suspects hiding behind trash cans.
Three suspects were apprehended by the police, with one found in the vicinity of South Gate. Officials rectified an earlier statement regarding the victim, correctly identifying her as a 68-year-old female tourist from New Zealand.