Tragedy Strikes California Dental Office: Dentist Shot and Killed in Premeditated Attack
In a shocking turn of events, a dentist in California was shot and killed in his office by a former patient described as “disgruntled.” The incident, which occurred at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics, left one person dead and two others injured. The police report reveals that the attacker, Mohammed Abdulkareem, meticulously planned out the slaying weeks in advance.
The chilling incident took place around 4:15 p.m. when Abdulkareem stormed into the dental office wearing all-black clothing. He opened fire, hitting two adult men and one adult woman. Before fleeing the scene, the gunman quickly escaped in a U-Haul pick-up truck with Arizona plates. The El Cajon Police Department immediately launched a manhunt for Abdulkareem, describing him as “armed and dangerous.”
Despite the swift response from first responders, one of the male victims succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The other two victims were rushed to the hospital, where they remain in serious but stable condition. While the police did not release the names of the victims, the deceased has been identified as Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a Jewish dentist who worked at the dental practice owned by his father.
The shocking nature of the incident sent shockwaves throughout the community. Yareli Carrillo, a 28-year-old receptionist, and a man in his 40s were also victims of the shooting, according to reports. However, their identities have not been confirmed by the El Cajon Police Department.
The hunt for Abdulkareem came to an end roughly five hours after the shooting when a concerned citizen reported an abandoned U-Haul truck in San Diego, just 20 miles away from the dental office. Police found Abdulkareem nearby, along with a loaded handgun and several loaded handgun magazines. The evidence suggests that the shooting had been meticulously planned, as Abdulkareem legally purchased the handgun just two weeks prior and rented the U-Haul truck one hour before carrying out the attack.
While investigators are still piecing together the exact motive behind the shooting, they believe that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former customer. The El Cajon Police Department stated in a press release, “While the exact motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, it is believed that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former customer.” However, there is currently no evidence to suggest that the attack was driven by antisemitism, according to the Anti-Defamation League in San Diego.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni, who tragically lost his life in the incident, was one of four doctors at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics. The practice is owned by his father, Jack Harouni. The dental office’s website lists Dr. Harouni as one of three doctors working alongside his father.
Just nine days before his untimely death, Dr. Harouni celebrated his birthday, according to a social media post. The loss of a dedicated dentist and member of the Jewish community has left many in mourning.
Mohammed Abdulkareem now faces felony charges, including one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is currently being held without bail in a San Diego jail.
The tragic shooting at Smile Plus Dentistry has left a community reeling and searching for answers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by professionals in their line of work. As the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to supporting the victims’ families and finding ways to prevent such senseless acts of violence in the future.
