Seeking to apprehend suspects linked to a recent bout of crime at the Fashion Island mall, Newport Beach Police are on high alert following an armed robbery late Monday night. As KTLA reported, two luxury car drivers, one behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce SUV and the other steering a Ferrari, were the targets of three ski-mask-wearing individuals. The altercation, which took place around 11:26 pm, escalated to gunfire after the suspects approached the vehicles.
While the Rolls-Royce driver surrendered his watch and wallet, the other managed to quickly drive off, although he still suffered from a shattered window as a result of at least one shot being fired by the armed assailant. The driver of the Ferrari sought to immediately find safety but eventually stopped at a nearby Chevron to address wounds sustained from broken glass.
According to details obtained by KTLA, the suspects, still at large, were last seen fleeing in a blue Kia sedan. Their actions have spread unease among regular shoppers, with one resident and frequent Fashion Island shopper, Angie Francis, expressing, "If it's going to be like this I'd rather not go to a mall and fear for my life," as detailed by ABC 7.
The latest incident punctuates a string of recent crimes at the mall, including a shocking event in July where Patricia McKay, a 68-year-old New Zealand tourist, was fatally injured during an attempted robbery, reported CBS News. Authorities have charged three men with murder for their involvement in McKay's death. She was reportedly run over and dragged 65 feet after the robbers tried to forcibly take her watch and shopping bags.
