Couple Accused of Shooting at California Deputy Sheriff Arrested in Hawaii
A couple wanted in connection with the shooting of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department vehicle has been arrested on Kauai, Hawaii. Shane Mahoney, 39, and Arianna Mitchell, 22, were taken into custody on March 3, following a brief foot pursuit, according to investigators.
The Shooting in Rolling Hills Estates
The incident occurred on February 22, around 9 a.m., in Rolling Hills Estates, California. A deputy sheriff was responding to a call regarding reckless drivers when a gunshot struck the passenger side trunk compartment of their marked vehicle, ultimately lodging in the rear seat panel. The deputy was not injured.
Investigation and Flight to Hawaii
Authorities determined that Mahoney allegedly fired an “assault-style rifle” from a balcony of an apartment complex. The day after the shooting, Mahoney and Mitchell drove to Los Angeles International Airport and flew to Kauai, attempting to evade law enforcement.
Arrests on Kauai and Charges Filed
Mahoney and Mitchell were arrested on March 3 at Poʻipū Beach on Kauai. Mahoney is charged with attempted murder and assault with a semiautomatic firearm upon a peace officer, facing a potential sentence of up to 35 years to life in state prison. Mitchell is charged with one felony count of accessory after the fact, carrying a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.
Statements from Law Enforcement
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “This was not a random act, this was an attempted murder of a peace officer.” He added that those who target law enforcement officers will be “pursued relentlessly.” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated, “Each one of these individuals thought that they could run…The long arm of the law is long.”
Evidence Collected
Evidence collected by investigators includes surveillance video, an assault rifle, three semi-automatic firearms, and ballistic evidence.
Mahoney and Mitchell are awaiting extradition back to California.