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‘Disgruntled Former Customer’ Allegedly Shoots 3 People, Killing Dentist

The man who allegedly opened fire at a California dental clinic on Thursday was a “disgruntled former customer,” police said.

El Cajon Police said in a press release that the shooting occurred around 4:14 p.m. in El Cajon, where two men and a woman were shot.

Dentist Benjamin Ariel Haruni suffered “an apparent gunshot wound to the torso” and was pronounced dead at the scene, NBC News reported. reportThis was reported by the San Diego County Coroner. The other two victims were taken to local hospitals where they were listed in serious but stable condition, police said. (Related: Dentist sued for allegedly administering 'large doses' of fentanyl to patient, causing brain damage).

The suspect, Mohamed Abdulkareem, 29, allegedly fled the scene in a rented U-Haul truck, the statement said. Police said authorities later discovered the truck was unoccupied after a civilian reported it parked in San Diego.

Police took Abdulkareem into custody shortly after discovering the truck, according to a press release. Police said the suspect was found in possession of a loaded handgun and several loaded handgun magazines. Police said Abdulkareem legally purchased the gun two weeks before the shooting.

“The investigation also revealed that Abdulkareem was a former patient at the dental office,” El Cajon police said in a news release. “Although the exact motive for the shooting is still under investigation, Abdulkareem is believed to have been a disgruntled former customer.”

Police said Abdulkareem was charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

“The El Cajon Police Department mourns with the families and friends of the deceased victims, and extends our deepest sympathies to those injured in yesterday's senseless and vicious act of violence,” Police Chief Mike Moulton said in a press release. ” he said. “We would like to express our gratitude to our local, state and national law enforcement partners who assisted us during this tragic event.”

“We understand that there are concerns about the suspect's motives. While we are still in the early stages of the investigation, we want to be clear that there is no indication that the attack was racially or politically motivated. ” the police department said. Said It was in response to concerns about the suspect's anti-Semitism. “We will continue to conduct a thorough investigation and will keep the community informed of any new developments.”

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