IRVINE, CA – A UPS driver was fatally shot while on his break in Irvine, California, on Thursday afternoon, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement. The assailant, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken into custody after a standoff with police.
The incident occurred around 3 p.m. near Chrysler and Bendix in Irvine, as reported by the local police department on social media. Sgt. Karie Davies, a spokesperson for the department, shared that the victim was enjoying his break inside his truck when the suspect approached in a pickup truck and began firing. The suspect is believed to have been masked at the time of the attack.
Investigators are currently probing the connection, if any, between the victim and the suspect, as well as potential motives behind the attack. “The nature of the relationship between these two individuals is unclear at this point,” said Sgt. Davies. “However, the attack seems to have been targeted, as it did not appear to be a robbery.”
Around 6 p.m., several hours post the incident, police located the suspect’s truck near Santiago Canyon Road and the Toll Road. The suspect initially barricaded himself inside his vehicle but was eventually forced out by a SWAT team using a chemical agent and a police dog.
Local residents who knew the UPS driver expressed shock at the incident, describing him as a friendly individual who often took his lunch breaks at the same spot. The victim had been a familiar face in the community, delivering packages for several years.
UPS released a statement expressing grief over the loss and pledged to assist authorities in their ongoing investigation. The company emphasized its commitment to employee safety and stated that it would provide support and counseling services to those affected by the tragedy.
The Irvine Police Department continues to investigate the fatal shooting and has urged anyone with information to come forward. The department expressed its condolences to the victim’s loved ones and thanked the community for its concern.