A UPS driver was shot and killed in his truck in Irvine, Calif., Thursday afternoon, and police have a suspect in custody.
The shooting happened around 3 p.m. near the city’s Chrysler and Bendix, Irvine police said on Facebook.
Sgt. Karie Davies told FOX 11 LA that the UPS driver was taking a break and eating in the truck when the suspect, who was not identified, got into a pickup truck and started shooting. Police believe the shooter was wearing a mask.
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A UPS driver was shot and killed Thursday in Irvine, California, in what police believe was a targeted attack. (FOX 11 LA live broadcast/screenshot)
Davis said police are working to determine if the driver and suspect knew each other and if there was a potential motive behind the shooting.
“We don’t know what the relationship, if any, was between these two gentlemen,” Davis said. “It definitely looks targeted, which means it’s not a robbery, it doesn’t look like a robbery.”
Hours later, around 6 p.m., authorities found the suspected shooter’s truck near Santiago Canyon Road and the Turnpike. Davis said the suspect locked himself in the car but was eventually forced out after chemical agents and police dogs were deployed.
“He did not give up peacefully. He was lured out of the vehicle or forced out of the vehicle by our SWAT team, but he was still alive,” Davis said.
The gunman accused of killing a UPS driver in Irvine, California, locked himself in his truck on Thursday before police chased him out and arrested him. (FOX 11 LA live broadcast/screenshot)
Community members told Fox 11 the UPS driver was well-known in the area and usually ate lunch at the same location.
Kevin Sanchez told the outlet: “I mean, he was a friendly gentleman, he never really showed any attitude, any negativity or anything like that. Just like a regular delivery guy.
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UPS issued a statement regarding the driver’s death and said the company would do everything possible to assist authorities “understand what happened.”
“Tonight, our hearts are heavy with the news that one of our drivers was killed in Irvine, California. We are doing everything we can to assist authorities in understanding what happened. We are deferring any efforts to establish accountability as the investigation is ongoing to find those responsible. personnel.
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Irvine police said the fatal shooting remains under investigation and urged anyone with information to call 949-724-7200.
“We would like to thank the community for their concern as we investigate the tragic homicide that occurred today. Our hearts go out to the victim and his loved ones,” the department wrote on Facebook.
