A suspected gunman who allegedly shot and killed a UPS driver in a parked truck has been arrested following a tense standoff with a SWAT team in Irvine, California. The incident unfolded around 3 p.m. on Thursday when the Irvine Police Department received reports of a shooting in Orange County. Investigators later confirmed the victim, an unnamed UPS driver, had been fatally shot while sitting in his vehicle.
According to police reports, the suspect drove up to the parked UPS van, fired multiple rounds at the driver, and fled the scene without exiting his vehicle. “He literally pulled up next to the UPS truck, shot him, and drove away,” Sgt. Karie Davies told the Los Angeles Times. “It looks like it was targeted, but we don’t know the relationship yet.”
Initial descriptions of the suspect indicated a white man wearing a dark-colored shirt and a face mask. However, his identity has not been released. First responders arrived to find the UPS driver still seated behind the wheel, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Approximately three hours after the initial call, the Irvine Police Department’s SWAT team apprehended the suspected gunman near Santiago Canyon and the Toll Road, close to the shooting location. Aerial footage from ABC7 captured the moment two SWAT vehicles approached a man inside a silver truck. Officers broke one of the truck’s windows and deployed a K9 unit before extracting the suspect from the vehicle and making the arrest. “They ultimately had to force him out of the vehicle with SWAT techniques,” explained Sgt. Davies.
Local news reports showed a significant police and fire department presence at the shooting scene, with shell casings scattered around. A witness working nearby told KTLA that they initially mistook the gunshots for jackhammering from a construction site. He also mentioned that the UPS driver often parked in the area to take breaks. “It sounds like, based on witness testimony, this is his normal route,” said Sgt. Davies. “That area where he was shot is normally where he takes his breaks. We don’t know if the suspect was waiting for him to come back after a delivery.”
UPS issued a statement to Fox11 expressing their sorrow over the loss of their employee. “Our hearts are heavy tonight after hearing of the loss of one of our drivers in Irvine. We are assisting authorities however we can to understand what happened. As a result of the ongoing investigation to find those responsible, we are deferring any additional questions to authorities. The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority, and we are providing support and counseling services to our employees affected by this tragedy.”
The Irvine Police Department thanked the community for their concern and support during the investigation of what they termed a “tragic homicide.” They assured that more information would follow as it becomes available. “Our hearts are with the victim and his loved ones,” officials stated.
The incident has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the safety of delivery workers, who often work long hours and are exposed to potential dangers while on their routes. As the investigation continues, authorities will seek to uncover the motive behind the targeted attack and ensure justice for the victim and his family.
The swift response and eventual arrest of the suspect highlight the efficiency and coordination of the Irvine Police Department and its SWAT team. This case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by essential workers and the importance of community vigilance in maintaining public safety.