In a tragic turn of events, a 68-year-old New Zealand tourist lost her life during a robbery at Fashion Island, an outdoor shopping mall in Newport Beach, California. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the suspects struck her with their vehicle while fleeing the scene, according to the Newport Beach Police Department.

The victim and her husband were walking in the area when two suspects, one of them armed with a handgun, approached and robbed them. A struggle ensued, and it is believed that the suspects dragged the woman into the street, revealed Newport Beach Police spokesperson Sgt. Steve Oberon during a press conference.

As the two suspects tried to escape in a white Toyota Camry sedan driven by a third suspect, tragedy struck. "One of the suspects ran, while the vehicle fled and actually struck the female victim," explained Sgt. Oberon. Sadly, the woman, identified as Patricia McKay, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband, fortunately, did not sustain any injuries.

Meanwhile, the suspect who had initially fled on foot fired three rounds before eventually joining the others in the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was hit by the gunfire, according to the police.

Upon receiving reports of the robbery, officers promptly responded and a pursuit of the suspect vehicle ensued. One of the suspects was arrested after attempting to flee on foot once the vehicle stopped in Cypress. The other two suspects were also apprehended in Los Angeles County after abandoning the vehicle and running away on foot.

The suspects, identified as Leroyernest Joseph McCrary, aged 26, from Compton; Jaden Cunningham, aged 18, from Lancaster; and Malachi Eddward Darnell, aged 18, from Los Angeles, have been transported to the Newport Beach Police Department's jail. They are facing charges of homicide, robbery with a firearm, and conspiracy.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident, but have stated that there are no outstanding suspects at this time.

The shocking incident has drawn condemnation from Newport Beach Mayor Will O'Neill, who referred to it as a "stunning, staggering act." Speaking at the press briefing, Mayor O'Neill expressed his grief over the loss of an innocent life and voiced his disdain for the perpetrators: "Newport Beach is a safe community, and we're mourning the loss of someone today, a loss that never should have happened. It's heartbreaking, it's a tragedy."

As the investigation continues, the thoughts and condolences of the community go out to the family and loved ones of Patricia McKay, whose life was tragically cut short during a visit to the United States.