'Barrage of Bullets': Man Who Tried To Kill Woman At South Bay Shopping Center Faces Charges: DA

TORRANCE, CA — A man who tried to kill a woman at a popular South Bay shopping center in May is now facing several charges, including attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Redondo Beach resident John Cristman, 47, opened fire on a woman who was sitting in her car outside a BevMo! in the popular Rolling Hills Plaza shopping center in the 2500 block of Pacific Coast Highway on May 9, according to authorities.

Prosecutors say Cristman drove up behind the woman and fired more than two dozen rounds into her vehicle. At least 20 bullets hit her car, and six others struck a nearby dance studio with people inside, according to authorities.

“The victim faced a barrage of bullets, and we are thankful no one was hurt in this senseless rapid-fire attack,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement Tuesday.

Hochman didn't elaborate on the relationship between Cristman and the woman or why he opened fire.

The 47-year-old left the scene after the shooting and then fled to the Philippines on May 14, according to authorities. Investigators with the Torrance Police Department identified him as the shooter and obtained a warrant for his arrest, authorities said.

With the help of federal agents, Cristman was located overseas and brought back to the United States, according to the Torrance Police Department.

On Monday, Cristman was charged with one felony count of attempted murder, one felony count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle, and eight felony counts of shooting from a motor vehicle. Prosecutors also said that Christman personally used a handgun in the commission of the offenses.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to prosecutors. If convicted, Cristman could spend the rest of his life in prison, prosecutors said. He is currently jailed in lieu of $1.95 million.