Woman killed in violent robbery at Fashion Island mall in Newport Beach

In a tragic incident at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport Beach, at least one person was killed after a group of suspects allegedly opened fire and ran over a woman. The suspects, after robbing a 68-year-old woman and her husband outside Barnes and Noble, fled in a white car, fatally striking the woman and firing shots as they escaped. Newport Beach City Mayor Will O'Neill expressed shock and anger at the senseless violence, calling it a tragedy that cannot be tolerated in society. Upon arrival at the scene, the Newport Beach Fire Department discovered the deceased woman in the parking lot near Barnes and Noble. Witnesses recounted hearing gunshots before seeking shelter, highlighting the chaos and fear that ensued. As police urged residents to steer clear of the area for ongoing investigations, shoppers like Rachel West expressed disbelief at the unexpected turn of events, emphasizing the need for societal improvement to prevent such incidents. Following the pursuit, two suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee in a South Gate neighborhood. Law enforcement apprehended one suspect hiding behind trash cans at a nearby residence, underscoring the swift response by authorities in capturing those involved. Initially reported as a 69-year-old victim, the woman was later identified as a 68-year-old from New Zealand, shedding light on the evolving details of the tragic event. The Newport Police Department detectives are actively investigating the case to piece together the sequence of events and apprehend all individuals responsible for the heinous crime. With the community reeling from the shocking violence at a popular shopping destination, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and collective efforts to ensure public safety and prevent such tragedies from recurring.