Newport Beach, Calif. — A tragic incident at Fashion Island in Newport Choice resulted in the death of a 69-year-old woman following a robbery attempt Tuesday afternoon. Newport Beach police reported that the woman, together with her husband, was confronted by two assailants aiming to rob them.
The encounter quickly escalated as the couple resisted, which led to one of the suspects attempting to flee in a white Toyota Camry. During the tumultuous escape, the vehicle struck the woman, leading to fatal injuries. Initial confusion lead bystanders to believe she might have been shot; however, authorities later confirmed that it was the impact with the car that caused her death.
The suspects reportedly dragged the woman along the street during the robbery attempt. Despite this violent engagement, her husband escaped physical harm. Following a brief pursuit, three male suspects were apprehended by law enforcement. One was caught in Cypress and the other two in South Gate, within Los Angeles County.
As this dramatic scene unfolded outside a Barnes & Noble bookstore, panic spread among the mall’s patrons and workers. Nearby, a woman and her daughter, terrified by the chaotic events, rushed into a store shouting about a potential shooter, leading to a store lockdown. This security measure lasted approximately an hour until the situation was clarified and people were allowed to leave.
Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neill expressed his profound dismay over the event, harshly criticizing the suspects involved. Labeling them as “thugs” and a threat to society, O’Neill highlighted the need for societal improvement and a more robust stance against such violent acts. His remarks underscored the severity of the attack and its emotional and psychological impact on the local community.
Despite the incident, the mayor reassured the public about the security measures in place at Fashion Island, commending the mall’s management for maintaining a safe environment. He confidently stated his willingness to return to the mall with his family, reinforcing his trust in the area’s security standards.
The incident remains under active investigation as officials work to piece together the events that led to this unnecessary loss of life. Meanwhile, the local community and the victim’s family mourn, reflecting on the broader implications of public safety and the measures necessary to protect citizens.
This tragic event has renewed conversations about the balance between freedom and security, the effectiveness of public safety strategies, and the societal changes needed to prevent future crimes of this nature.