2 Injured by Gunmen in Holdup of Costa Mesa Jewelry Business

A jewelry store clerk was shot and a woman was injured during a robbery Tuesday, Costa Mesa police said.

James MacNeil, 52, of Newport Beach, a clerk in the Humphries JC Jewelers store in the Costa Mesa Courtyards shopping mall, was shot in the left leg, Police Lt. Cliff McBride said. Police did not describe what was taken in the holdup, which occurred about 4:25 p.m.

MacNeil was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach where he was in serious condition, police said.

Witnesses told police that three black men parked a car in front of the store and entered, with one of them carrying a handgun, McBride said.

MacNeil was shot after employees and customers were herded toward the rear of the store.

“Apparently there was no motive for the shooting because (MacNeil) was very cooperative,” McBride said.

Another woman, whose name was not released, was injured after being struck on the hand by one of the robbers.

The robbers, including a fourth individual who may have remained in the car, were described as being in their 30s. The getaway car was later abandoned in a nearby neighborhood. McBride said it had been reported stolen in Los Angeles.