A suspect has been taken into police custody following the shooting death of a UPS driver in his truck on Thursday afternoon, in Irvine, California.
According to Irvine Police on Facebook, the shooting occurred at 3 p.m. in the city near Chrysler and Bendix.
Sgt. Karie Davies reported that the UPS driver, who was eating in his truck during a break, was shot at by the unknown suspect. Police believe that the shooter wore a mask.
Davies stated that officers are trying to determine whether the driver and suspect were acquainted and if a motive was behind the shooting.
Davies stated, “We do not know the exact relationship between the two men. This appeared targeted. It wasn’t a burglary and didn’t look like a burglary.”
Around 6 pm, a few hours after the initial incident, authorities found the truck of a suspected shooter in the area between Santiago Canyon Road, and the Toll Road. Davies said that the suspect barricaded his vehicle but was forced to exit it by a police canine and a chemical agent.
“He didn’t give up peacefully.” “He was forced or lured from the vehicle by the SWAT team. He is still alive,” Davies said.
The community members reported that the UPS driver is well-known in the area, and he eats his lunch there every day.
“He’s a nice gentleman. He never showed any negativity or any other sort of attitude.” Kevin Sanchez, a reporter for the outlet, said the driver was “just like your regular delivery guy”. He added that he had been delivering their packages to them for many years.
UPS released a statement regarding the death of the driver and stated that the company would assist authorities in any possible way to “understand” what happened.
The news that one of our drivers has died in Irvine, CA is a heavy blow to us. We are helping authorities in any way we can to find out what happened. We are deferring all questions to the authorities as a result. Our employees’ safety and well-being is our number one priority. We provide support and counseling to those affected by the tragedy.
Irvine Police said that the fatal shooting is still under investigation. Anyone with information should call 949-724-7200.
Thank you for your support as we investigate the tragic homicide which occurred today. The department posted on Facebook that “our hearts are with the victim’s family and friends.”
