Dentist shot dead in pre-planned attack by ‘disgruntled’ ex-patient
A man shot and killed his former dentist in an altercation on Thursday afternoon, according to police.
Authorities accuse Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, of storming into Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon, southern California, with a gun at around 4.15pm.
Wearing all black, he is alleged to have opened fire and struck two men and one woman.
Reports state Abdulkareem then fled the scene in a U-Haul pick-up truck, sparking a five-hour manhunt that ended after a concerned citizen reported the vehicle abandoned in San Diego, about 20 miles away.
The suspect was found nearby the truck, allegedly in possession of a loaded handgun and several magazines.
One of the men died at the scene, while the other two victims were rushed to hospital in a condition described as ‘serious but stable.’
Police have not yet formally identified the deceased, though local press outlets suggest the dead man is Dr Harouni, a Jewish dentist who worked at the practice, which is owned by his father.
He is understood to have celebrated his birthday just nine days before the shooting.
Early reports indicate the alleged attack was planned out well in advance, with records showing Abdulkareem legally purchased the gun two weeks ago, though the truck was only rented a few hours before the incident took place.
El Cajon Police Department said in a statement: ‘While the exact motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, it is believed that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former customer.’
Abdulkareem has since been booked into a San Diego jail, without bail, on charges including murder and attempted murder.
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