Shots Fired After Three Suspects Disguised In Ski-Masks Rob 2 Men At High-End Newport Beach Shopping Mall

Just before 11:30 p.m., Newport Police told local media the search for the suspects remained at large after fleeing the scene. A description of the suspects has not yet been released but police said they escaped in a blue Kia Sedan.

Two men driving a Ferrari and Rolls Royce were robbed by three suspects wearing ski masks in the Newport Beach Fashion Island Mall parking lot on Monday night, raising concerns about safety in one of the safer shopping areas in Orange County.

Just before 11:30 p.m., Newport Police told local media the search for the suspects remained at large after fleeing the scene. A description of the suspects has not yet been released but police said they escaped in a blue Kia Sedan.

One of the victims, who stayed on the scene until authorities arrived, said the suspects stole his watch and wallet.

The second victim, driving the yellow Ferrari, was struck when one of the robbers fired a gun during the robbery at a nearby gas station. The victim suffered some cuts from flying glass but was not hit by gunfire, according to investigators.

Angie Francis, who was visiting Fashion Island, told ABC7 that "if it's going to be like this I'd rather not go to a mall and fear for my life." 

"South Coast Plaza, same thing, they're robbing stores so frequently and getting away with it, and no one can do anything,” Francis said. “It's so scary. What are we supposed to do?"

The incident was just a month after three individuals were accused of murdering 68-year-old tourist Patricia McKay from New Zealand, who was fatally struck during an attempted theft at Fashion Island.

Law enforcement told local media that the perpetrators approached McKay and her husband outside the shopping center and attempted to take a wristwatch and shopping bags from the couple. McKay was struck by a vehicle, caught underneath it, and pulled 65 feet as the culprits fled from the scene.

Newport Beach is typically considered one of Orange County’s safest shopping areas.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer blamed the incident on California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers for enacting soft-on-crime policies.

 "Our shopping centers and malls have become hunting grounds for criminals who are stalking innocent shoppers to rob them blind because our Governor and our Legislature refuse to hold anyone accountable for their actions,” Spitzer said in a news release in July. “Actions have consequences and it shouldn’t have to result in the death of an elderly woman just enjoying a day of shopping with her husband for our elected leaders in Sacramento to realize that this is the product of their soft-on-crime policies which encourage criminality while sacrificing public safety.” 

“This is Orange County and we refuse to accept this is the new normal,” Spitzer added. “Criminals will be held accountable and violence will never be acceptable.”