A horrifying incident unfolded at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon, southern California, as a gunman opened fire, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two others.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem, was apprehended after an intense search that followed the shooting.
The targeted dental office, located on North Magnolia Avenue, about 15 miles northeast of San Diego, became a scene of chaos and tragedy.
Details emerged that Abdulkareem was acquainted with some of the victims, adding a layer of complexity to this disturbing incident.
Victims and Injuries:
The shooting left the office’s receptionist, Yareli Carrillo, 28, wounded in the legs. Fortunately, Carrillo is in stable condition and is expected to survive.
Another man, whose identity remains undisclosed but is reported to be in his 40s, sustained injuries but is also expected to recover.
Tragically, one person lost their life in the incident. However, the police have not released the identity of the deceased individual.
Dental Office Affiliation:
The dental office, Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics, is managed by the father-and-son team of doctors, Jack and Benjamin Harouni. At present, it is unclear whether the Harounis were present in the office during the time of the shooting.
Captain Rob Ransweiler of the police force noted that Abdulkareem was known to those inside the office, hinting at a potential connection between the suspect and the victims.
Family members present at the scene are expected to provide crucial information in understanding the dynamics of this tragic event.
Suspect’s Actions and Arrest:
Police investigations revealed that Abdulkareem, a resident of El Cajon, had rented a white U-Haul pickup with an Arizona license plate merely an hour before the shooting took place.
The suspect reportedly used a handgun, although the exact number of shots fired remains unclear.
The abandoned U-Haul was discovered shortly before law enforcement located Abdulkareem nearby.
The motive behind the shooting is yet to be determined, leaving investigators with numerous unanswered questions.
Law Enforcement Response and Press Briefing:
Abdulkareem was captured just after 10 pm on the day of the incident, and authorities took him into custody promptly. The firearm used in the shooting was also located.
Captain Ransweiler, in a press briefing, disclosed that officers found the deceased victim inside the office while the shooting was ongoing.
They swiftly moved the victim outside to provide lifesaving measures in a secure environment.
Federal agencies, including the FBI’s San Diego team and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are collaborating in the investigation, underscoring the severity and complexity of the case.
Unraveling the Motive:
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement officials are diligently working to unravel the motive behind this shocking act of violence.
The familiarity between Abdulkareem and the victims adds a layer of intrigue to the case, prompting a thorough examination of any potential motives or connections that might have led to this tragic incident.