A Kiwi woman has reportedly been killed after being shot at and run over in the US, according to local media.
The woman, 69, and her husband were reportedly shopping at the Fashion Island Mall in Newport, California, when they were robbed by a group of at least four suspects outside a Barnes & Noble store.
The suspects then got into a white car and ran the woman down, killing her, CBS News has reported.
Witnesses said they heard three to four gunshots, with one shopper telling CBS News: “I didn’t know that there was going to be a crime scene and dead body when I got here.”
Mayor Will O’Neill said he was “horrified”.
“I’m mourning the loss of someone who died inside of our city because of crime… This is a tragedy and I’m furious.”
The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT) said late on Wednesday it was looking into the matter.
An MFAT spokesperson has said: “We are aware of the reports of the death of a New Zealander in California. Consular officials are seeking further information.”
High speed chase
Authorities chased the alleged suspects, who led police to Los Angeles County some 133km away, CBS reported. During the chase, a pair of suspects reportedly fled the vehicle near Los Alamitos, 32km away from the mall.
Local media reports the vehicle travelled at speeds of up to 177kph as they fled the scene.
Two other suspects allegedly left the vehicle shortly after, with police finding one behind a rubbish bin in a residential area.
Officials located and arrested three suspects, CBS reported.