In El Cajon, California, tragedy struck when a gunman unleashed gunfire inside a dental office on Thursday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and injuries to two others.
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem, was apprehended by San Diego police late Thursday, according to El Cajon Police Capt. Rob Ransweiler.
Authorities responded to a distress call at the office on North Magnolia Avenue at approximately 4:15 p.m. local time, swiftly providing “lifesaving support” to the three victims.
El Cajon Police Department Press Release Re: Fugitive Mohammed Abdulkareem Arrest
SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR DEADLY SHOOTING:
On February 29, 2024, at approximately 4:14 PM, the El Cajon Police Department received reports of gunshots inside of a dental office located at 480 N. Magnolia Ave, in the city of El Cajon. The first officers were on scene at approximately 4:16 PM, and quickly located three gunshot victims: two adult males and one adult female. Despite lifesaving efforts by responding officers, one of the males succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The two other victims were transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
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The suspect, identified as 29-year-old El Cajon resident Mohammed Abdulkareem, was reported to have fled the shooting in a white U-Haul rental pickup truck. Investigations also revealed that Abdulkareem was a former patient of the dental office. While the exact motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, it is believed that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former customer.
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Witnesses said that Abdulkareem fled the scene in a white U-Haul pickup truck. El Cajon Police Department employees quickly viewed the City’s Flock license plate reader system, and were able to obtain a license plate and photograph of the U-Haul truck. Detectives used the license plate information to determine that Abdulkareem had previously rented the vehicle in San Diego. Having that information so quickly, allowed for the photo of the truck and license plate information to be sent out to the public through news media and police department social media platforms to assist in locating Abdulkareem.
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Later in the evening, at approximately 9:11 PM, a vigilant citizen alerted the San Diego Police Department that they believed the U-Haul truck involved in the shooting was parked near 6thAvenue and Quince Street in San Diego. San Diego Police officers responded and discovered the truck was unoccupied. A short time later, officers located Abdulkareem in the area and took him into custody without incident. Abdulkareem was found to be armed with a loaded handgun and several loaded handgun magazines. Records checks on the handgun later showed that it was legally purchased by Abdulkareem, just 2 weeks prior to the shooting.
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Abdulkareem has since been booked into San Diego County Central Jail on multiple felony charges, including one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Further investigation into the incident may reveal additional felony charges.
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“The El Cajon Police Department mourns with the family and friends of the deceased victim and extends heartfelt condolences to those injured in yesterday’s senseless and evil act of violence.
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I would like to extend my gratitude to our local, state, and national law enforcement partners who assisted us during this tragic event.
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) San Diego Field Office, under the leadership of Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy, provided a tremendous amount of support during the investigation and processing of the crime scene.
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The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Marshall’s Service Fugitive Task Force, La Mesa Police Department, San Diego County District Attorney’s office, ATF San Diego, and San Diego Police Department provided invaluable assistance in the initial response and subsequent investigation.” – Chief of Police Mike Moulton
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This investigation is ongoing. We urge anyone with information regarding this case to contact the El Cajon Police Department at (619) 579-3311. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (888)-580-8477 or online at sdcrimestoppers.org.