Long Beach, California – A driver was arrested following a tragic traffic accident in Long Beach, California, on the night of Friday, August 2nd.
The incident, which involved a hit-and-run, resulted in the death of a man and serious injuries to another person. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) conducted an extensive search to apprehend the suspect, who initially fled the scene on foot.
The accident occurred around 7 p.m. at the intersection of 14th Street and Cherry Avenue. According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers were conducting proactive patrols when they encountered a vehicle driven by Guillermo Penaloza, a 34-year-old Long Beach resident.
Penaloza, identified as the suspect, was seen having a brief verbal exchange with the officers before speeding off.
The officers did not immediately pursue Penaloza but followed his vehicle briefly. Shortly after that, they were called to the scene of a severe collision between two cars, reported as a hit-and-run incident.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Penaloza was driving a Chevy Suburban SUV westbound on 14th Street at high speed. The SUV entered the intersection of Cherry Avenue and collided with a 4-door Saturn sedan.
The driver of the Saturn, a 33-year-old man from Long Beach, was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The passenger in the Saturn, a woman whose identity has not been disclosed, was hospitalized and remains in critical condition.
The Long Beach Police Department launched an intense search to locate Penaloza, who fled the accident scene on foot. Thanks to community cooperation and the swift response of the officers, Penaloza was arrested and now faces multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run.
This incident underscores the need for responsible driving and ongoing vigilance by authorities to prevent similar occurrences. The swift actions of the Long Beach Police Department and the community’s cooperation were crucial in apprehending the suspect and delivering justice to the victims and their families.
