COSTA MESA, Calif. — Police are investigating a shooting in Costa Mesa, California, that left a man critically wounded near a grocery store on Tuesday morning, August 18, 2026. Two people, identified as a 63-year-old woman and her 37-year-old son, were later arrested in connection with the incident.
The shooting occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the 2100 block of Newport Boulevard, near a Stater Bros. grocery store. Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene after receiving a report of a shooting.
What Happened in the Costa Mesa Shooting?
Costa Mesa police said officers were dispatched to the area at approximately 7:35 a.m. following reports of gunfire.
When police and firefighters arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was provided emergency assistance before being transported to an area hospital.
Authorities described his injuries as critical but not expected to be fatal. He was expected to survive.
Police began investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting while searching for those believed to have been involved.
Police Search for Shooting Suspect
The investigation eventually led officers to a multifamily residential complex in the 2400 block of Newport Boulevard.
Police established a presence around the property as they searched for a suspect. Members of a SWAT team were involved, and authorities also used a drone during the operation.
At approximately 2 p.m., police warned people in the surrounding area that a suspect remained at large and advised residents to avoid the location while officers continued their work.
Mother and Son Arrested
By approximately 4 p.m., authorities had arrested 37-year-old Rodney Otis Rich and his mother, 63-year-old Tammie Walker, both of Costa Mesa, in connection with the shooting.
The circumstances surrounding their alleged involvement remain under investigation.
Police had not publicly established whether the two people arrested knew the injured man or what may have led to the shooting.
Because the investigation and any resulting criminal proceedings remain ongoing, allegations against those arrested should not be treated as proven unless established through the legal process.
Victim Hospitalized in Critical Condition
The identity of the man who was shot has not been publicly disclosed in the information currently available.
Although his injuries were initially described as critical, authorities said they were not considered fatal and that he was expected to survive.
No additional information about his medical condition has been released.
For his family and loved ones, attention now remains on his treatment and recovery following the violent incident.
Was the Costa Mesa Shooting Gang-Related?
Police said the shooting does not currently appear to be gang-related.
However, investigators have not publicly announced a motive or provided a complete explanation of what happened before the gunfire.
Authorities are continuing to examine evidence and other information that could help establish the events leading to the shooting.
Until further findings are released, speculation about the motive or relationship between those involved should be avoided.
Costa Mesa Police Continue Investigation
The shooting remains under investigation as detectives work to determine the complete sequence of events.
Questions remain about what happened before the victim was shot, what relationship may have existed between those involved and what criminal charges could ultimately result from the investigation.
The arrests represent an important development in the case, but authorities may release further information as detectives continue gathering evidence.
For now, the victim remains the only person reported wounded in the shooting, and he is expected to survive.
Thoughts are with the injured man and his loved ones as he continues receiving medical care. The Costa Mesa community now awaits further information as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available at the time of publication concerning the August 18, 2026 shooting in Costa Mesa, California.
A man was critically wounded following a shooting near a grocery store in the 2100 block of Newport Boulevard. Authorities subsequently arrested two people in connection with the investigation.
The victim was reported to be expected to survive. The motive and complete circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Any allegations against individuals arrested in connection with the case should be treated as allegations unless proven through the appropriate legal process.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and may be updated if additional verified information becomes available.