Costa Mesa: Robbery Attempt Ends With Officer-Involved Shooting Inside 7-Eleven

03.11.2021 | 4:45 AM | COSTA MESA – Two people were injured after an attempted robbery inside a 7-Eleven convenience store ended in an officer-involved shooting, early Thursday morning.

The incident unfolded inside a 7-Eleven convenience store located in the 2200 block of Fairview Road, near Wilson Street, around 4:45 AM.

Authorities responded to the convenience store after receiving reports of a fight involving two men.

When officers arrived on scene they observed a male suspect assaulting a store clerk with a knife in apparent robbery attempt and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

The suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Gabriel Tamayopaniagua, was struck by gunfire and later transported to an area hospital in unknown condition.

The store clerk sustained stab wounds during the incident and was transported to an area hospital in stable condition.

A knife was recovered from the scene.

According to court records, Tamayopaniagua is facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon along with enhancements for premeditation, person use of a deadly weapon, and infliction of great bodily injury.

Per standard protocol, the officer-involved shooting is under investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s office.

Miles Madison

Miles started reporting breaking news in 2015 and has been providing high-quality news video and timely reports from the Orange County area ever since. Combining his experience as a seasoned photojournalist, radio operator and sleuth, Miles provides unrivaled multimedia news reports.