On Thursday, September 10, 2015, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Long Beach Police responded to a report of a person with a gun at MacArthur Park, located at Anaheim Street and Gundry Avenue. Preliminary information indicated that the 911 caller feared the subject would rob someone at the park.
The preliminary investigation has determined the following:
- The first officer was about a block away when he was dispatched to the location.
- Upon the officer’s arrival, a witness directed him to where the suspect could be located.
- The officer located the suspect who matched the description provided by the calling party.
- The officer attempted to detain the suspect for further investigation and the suspect fled on foot.
- As the suspect fled, the officer observed the suspect carrying a firearm in his hand.
- The officer pursued the suspect in his police vehicle through the park, then southbound across Anaheim Street into an alley behind the 1200 hundred block of Hoffman Avenue. When the officer confronted the suspect, an officer involved shooting occurred.
- The suspect was not hit by gunfire. The suspect immediately complied after the officer involved shooting and was safely taken into custody.
- No officers were injured as a result of this incident.
- Due to the ongoing investigation, the suspect’s identity is not being released at this time. He is described as a male Hispanic, 29-years-old, and a resident of Long Beach.
- Two weapons were recovered, a firearm and a replica firearm.
The Long Beach Homicide Detail investigates all officer involved shootings. Through the course of their investigation, detectives learned at least two armed robberies occurred in the park. It is possible that additional victims may have left prior to the officers’ arrival. Any unreported victims or witnesses are urged to contact the Long Beach Police Homicide Detail at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.
West Patrol Division personnel regularly meet with residents who live in the area surrounding MacArthur Park to address quality of life concerns. Residents are encouraged that if they see something, to say something. The observant caller’s willingness to call and provide information, coupled with the quick response by the officers, was instrumental in apprehending an armed suspect.
The Long Beach Police Department thoroughly reviews all use of force incidents through a rigorous multi-step process that evaluates legal, policy, tactical and equipment issues. Additional information regarding the LBPD officer involved shooting investigative process is available on the website.