The Jewish San Diego dentist who was allegedly shot to death by a “disgruntled” ex-patient on Thursday has been identified as 28-year-old Dr. Benjamin Ariel Harouni.
Harouni was a licensed dentist and worked in the dental practice he ran with his father, Jack.
The practice's medical staff tried to save Harouni's life, but he died of multiple gunshot wounds on the sidewalk in front of the Smile Plus dental practice shortly before 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Father and son, Jack and Benjamin, are both said to be popular members of the Jewish-Persian community in the area.
The suspected shooter, who wore all black clothing, was identified as Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29. He is also said to have injured two other people in the practice, including receptionist Yareli Carrillo (28). Both were hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
The Jewish San Diego dentist shot dead Thursday allegedly by a “disgruntled” ex-patient has been identified as 28-year-old Dr. Benjamin Ariel Harouni. He celebrates his 28th birthday on February 20th
Benjamin Harouni earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California before attending the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where he earned his doctorate in dental surgery
Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, was arrested after a frantic search following the shooting at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon
Abdulkareem was arrested Thursday about five hours after the shooting, about 20 miles from the scene of the incident. He was found to be armed with a loaded handgun and several loaded handgun magazines.
Police said Friday that Abdulkareem legally purchased the weapon he used in the attack only two weeks ago. An exact motive for the shooting remains unclear.
Benjamin Harouni earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California before attending the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where he earned his doctorate in dental surgery.
According to his website, Harouni said becoming a dentist has been his lifelong passion and he takes pride in providing “honest, quality dental care” to all of his patients.
The office's receptionist, Yareli Carrillo, 28, was shot in the legs but is in stable condition
The practice was run by father-son medical team Jack (pictured) and Benjamin Harouni
Dr. Benjamin Harouni, second from left, is seen with family members
Family members, including Benjamin's grandfather Sam Harouni, paid tribute to the dentist
Harouni said he prides himself on providing “honest, quality dental care” to all of his patients, according to his website
Ben Harouni, pictured as a young boy, had said becoming a dentist had been his lifelong passion
Images of a SWAT team outside the dentist's office in El Cajon where a shooting occurred Thursday afternoon
Captain Rob Ransweiler said Abdulkareem was known to people in the office.
“There were a lot of family members there,” he said. “Most people involved have information about who was involved.”
Police believe Abdulkareem, an El Cajon resident, had rented a white U-Haul pickup truck with an Arizona license plate just an hour before the shooting.
He reportedly fled the scene in the vehicle after opening fire.
“An alert citizen alerted San Diego Police that they believed the U-Haul truck involved in the shooting was parked near 6th Avenue and Quince Street in San Diego,” it said in a police statement on Abdulkareem's arrest.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni was shot multiple times and died on the sidewalk in front of his dentist's office
The suspect's vehicle, a white U-Haul pickup truck with Arizona license plate AM14894, was identified shortly after the shooting. Police said they then confirmed the suspect had rented the truck
“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 is accused of several crimes, including one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is being held without bail.
The FBI's San Diego team and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting in the investigation.