Fashion Island: Armed robbery ends in shots fired, attempted Ferrari carjacking
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Southern California authorities were investigating an armed robbery and attempted carjacking at the Fashion Island shopping mall in Newport Beach.
Officers with the Newport Beach Police Department responded to a robbery call involving two victims with shots fired around 11:30 p.m. Monday.
Investigators said two men were near their vehicles in the parking lot and were approached by three suspects wearing ski masks. One of the victims in a white Rolls-Royce SUV was robbed of jewelry and his wallet at gunpoint.
The second victim, in a yellow Ferrari, sped off from the parking lot after an attempted carjacking by the suspects. Police said as the man was driving away shots were fired, narrowly missing the driver but striking the Ferrari.
Authorities believe the three masked suspects fled the scene in a getaway vehicle described as a blue Kia sedan.
In July, a 68-year-old New Zealand woman was killed during a botched robbery attempt at Fashion Island Mall before three suspects were later arrested and charged with murder.
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No one was seriously injured during Monday night’s reported robbery. Newport Beach Police continue to investigate the incident with no suspects taken into custody.
Shoppers at Fashion Island Tuesday say the most recent robbery makes them nervous.
"As women, we’re a little bit nervous going shopping by ourselves now," said Terri Reed, a shopper.
"It should be a place for families to come together and relax," said Ciena Long, a shopper. "It’s kind of disturbing we have to watch our backs [now]."
Mall security could be seen on patrol Tuesday afternoon. In addition, a Newport Beach police car was parked in the parking lot. Shoppers told FOX 11 they’d like to see more security following the recent violence.
"It’s horrible," said Michael Leary, a shopper. "[Crime] is becoming a common thing now."
"They tend to just park police cars here," said Reed. "How about more security?"
FOX 11 reached out to Fashion Island’s ownership group. As of Tuesday evening, we haven’t heard back.