The latest Long Beach, California, Police Blotter for Feb. 10, 2009 – covering a period from 02-04-09 to 02-09-09 — shows an alarming mix of traffic incidents and fatalities. Please note that the police department is requesting the public’s assistance with their inquiries.
02-05-09 Undetermined Death
Thursday, February 5th, was a deadly morning for a man discovered at the 1000 block of PCH at 1:45 AM. The police released that they were summoned to the location in response to screams for help, but little more is known. It is uncertain how the man died, and the coroner is investigating the cause of death. This case has been assigned to homicide detectives Todd Johnson and Dan Mendoza who encourage anyone with information to call 562-570-7244.
02-06-09 Two Traffic Fatalities
On Friday morning, at 2:06 AM, the driver of a gray 2001 Lincoln went over the guard rails of the 2nd Street Bridge at Appian Way. The car came to rest on its roof on Appian Way, and although the driver was successfully freed from the car, he did not survive his injuries.
Just a couple of hours later, at 4:02 AM, a green 1995 Ford Mustang traveling on PCH – close by Caspian Avenue – hit a light pole head on. The young driver of the car did not survive the impact.
The cases have been assigned to detectives Sirilo Garcia and David Lauro who are urging anyone who might have information to call them at 562-570-7355.
02-08-09 Traffic Fatality and Officer Involved Shooting
At 12:00 AM on Sunday morning, a hit and run driver caused the death of a man and the severe injuries of another. Taking place at the intersection of Cherry Avenue and 4th Street, the victims were riding on motorcycles, while the hit and run driver ran a red light. The car was described as a 2001 Chevy Tahoe of burgundy color. Witnesses aided the police by following the car and shortly thereafter the 28 year young, unlicensed female driver was arrested in the vicinity of Pine Avenue and 3rd Street.
The case has been assigned to detectives Sirilo Garcia and David Lauro who are urging witnesses to call them at 562-570-7355.
Sunday evening, at about 6:00 PM, a traffic stop at 7th Street and Temple Avenue turned dangerous when the driver of a stolen vehicle failed to obey the officer’s instructions and instead escaped to 10th Street and Coronado Avenue when the person ditched the car and sought to escape on foot. Eventually the individual took cover behind a parked car and appeared to reach for a weapon, causing the pursuing officer to shoot in apparent self defense.
The suspect is alive and expected to recover, but as with all shootings that involve a police officer, an investigation is underway. Detectives assigned to the case are Todd Johnson and Daniel Mendoza who request witnesses to come forward and contact them with more information at 562-570-7244.
Source
Long Beach Police Department at http://www.longbeach.gov/police/press_releases.asp
