Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Man Shoots and Kills Former Dentist in California
A man tragically shot and killed his former dentist in a horrifying incident that took place on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 29, in El Cajon, southern California. The suspect, identified as Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, stormed into Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics armed with a gun at around 4.15pm. Dressed in all black, he opened fire and struck two men and one woman.
Manhunt Ends in San Diego
After the shooting, Abdulkareem fled the scene in a U-Haul pick-up truck, triggering a five-hour manhunt that ended when a concerned citizen reported the vehicle abandoned in San Diego, approximately 20 miles away. The suspect was found near the truck, allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun and several magazines.
Victims Rushed to Hospital
Tragically, the dentist, Dr. Benjamin Harouni, lost his life at the scene, while the other two victims were rushed to the hospital in serious but stable condition. Dr. Harouni, a Jewish dentist who worked at the practice owned by his father, had recently celebrated his birthday just nine days before the shooting.
Planned Attack
Reports suggest that the attack was meticulously planned, as records show that Abdulkareem legally purchased the gun two weeks prior to the incident, although the truck was rented just hours before the attack. The El Cajon Police Department stated that while the motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, it is believed that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former customer.
Suspect in Custody
Following the incident, Abdulkareem was booked into a San Diego jail without bail on charges including murder and attempted murder. The slain dentist, Dr. Harouni, was laid to rest at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego.
In a shocking turn of events, the peaceful setting of a dental clinic in El Cajon turned into a scene of tragedy and violence. The senseless loss of life and the injuries sustained by innocent victims have left the community in shock and disbelief. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome..