Woman Fatally Shot While Driving in City of Orange; Passenger Escapes Unharmed

A quiet Orange neighborhood was shaken late at night when gunfire erupted near Highland Street and Del Mar Avenue, leaving a woman dead in what police are calling a targeted shooting. Investigators say the woman was behind the wheel of an SUV when an unknown suspect opened fire into the back window, striking her as she drove. Despite her injuries, the vehicle continued moving before colliding with another car. A female passenger riding with her escaped the attack without injury.

The shooter fled the scene on foot, sparking an immediate police response and an ongoing investigation into the motive behind the attack. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the shooting was gang-related, though they noted the incident occurred in a neighborhood historically associated with gang activity. Detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage that could lead to identifying the suspect.

Residents described the sound of gunshots and the sudden crash as “chaotic and terrifying,” with many in the community left rattled by the violence. The victim’s name has not been released pending notification of her family.

Orange police officials are urging anyone with information to come forward, stressing the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. For now, the neighborhood mourns a life lost and faces renewed concerns about safety in an area that has seen violent flare-ups in the past.

Read the Original Article: https://abc7.com/post/woman-driver-killed-when-shooter-opens-fire-back-window-vehicle-city-orange-passenger-unharmed/16338914/