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Long Beach Police to Hold DUI Checkpoint Tonight i

Long Beach Police to Hold DUI Checkpoint Tonight in East Division

LONG BEACH, Calif. — The Long Beach Police Department announced it will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the East Division area.

Police said checkpoint locations are selected using data that highlights areas with a history of impaired driving crashes. The goal is to enhance public safety by identifying and removing drivers suspected of being under the influence.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Commander Jeremy Boshnack said in a statement. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”

Authorities emphasized that impairment goes beyond alcohol. Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as marijuana — whether used for medicinal or recreational purposes — can affect a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal.

According to police, a first-time DUI arrest can result in fines and penalties averaging $13,500, in addition to a suspended driver’s license.

The checkpoint is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Shipping Containers Fall Into Water at Port of Lon

Shipping Containers Fall Into Water at Port of Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Several shipping containers fell off a cargo ship and into the water Tuesday morning at the Port of Long Beach, officials said.

The containers were seen scattered across the harbor, though details about how the incident occurred remain limited.

According to port officials, no injuries have been reported. It was not immediately clear what the containers were carrying or whether they posed any environmental hazards.

Crews were working to secure the area and assess the situation.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. 📸 ABC7

Annual ‘Champions Run for Life’ Torch Run Rais

Annual ‘Champions Run for Life’ Torch Run Raises Funds, Awareness for Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Children battling cancer and serious blood disorders, along with survivors, families, and community supporters, came together for the 37th annual Champions Run for Life “Torch Run” at Shoreline Aquatic Park.

Hosted by the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach, the fundraiser supported care, research, and family-centered programs that benefit more than 800 children each year.

Patients and survivors ran, walked, wheeled, or were carried around a one-eighth-mile course, passing an Olympic-style torch as a symbol of hope and resilience. Each child received a medal at the finish line while family, friends, and sponsors showed support with honorary posters and by joining the lap.

After the run, participants enjoyed carnival games, prizes, and a celebratory festival. Organizers said the event was both a tribute to survivors and a show of solidarity with those still undergoing treatment.

“Champions Run for Life is about more than raising money — it’s about showing every child and family that they are not alone in this fight,” representatives from the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Institute said.

The Champions Run for Life is one of the institute’s largest annual fundraisers, with proceeds benefiting programs such as psychology, social work, survivorship care, sibling activities, art therapy, and school reintegration support.

The event also helped raise awareness ahead of September, which is recognized as Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month.

3-year-old boy dies after being struck by vehicle

3-year-old boy dies after being struck by vehicle in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Calif. — A 3-year-old boy died Saturday evening after being struck by a vehicle in North Long Beach, police said.

The collision happened around 6:27 p.m. Sept. 6 near Artesia Boulevard and Rose Avenue, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Responding officers found the child critically injured and began CPR until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived and continued lifesaving measures. The boy was transported to a local hospital, where he later died despite efforts from hospital staff.

Detectives said the child had run into the street when he was struck by a vehicle driven by a man traveling westbound on Artesia Boulevard.

The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police said speed, distracted driving and impairment did not appear to be factors in the collision.

The Collision Investigation Detail is leading the case.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Detective Kevin Dougherty at (562) 570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 TIPS” app, or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

Long Beach pitches new minor league baseball team

Long Beach pitches new minor league baseball team with Warren G as part-owner

Long Beach is once again making a pitch for minor league baseball, this time with a hometown legend joining the effort.

City officials announced plans this summer to bring a professional baseball team to Blair Field in partnership with Cal State Long Beach and the Long Beach Baseball Club. The team intends to join the Pioneer Baseball League, an MLB Partner League, as early as 2026.

On Friday, Long Beach native and rap artist Warren G was introduced as part of the ownership group.

“This is more than just owning part of a team, it’s about giving back to my city,” Warren G said in a statement. “Long Beach shaped me, and I want to help build something positive for the next generation. Baseball brings people together, and that’s what I’m all about.”

He also told KABC-TV he wants the team to reflect Long Beach’s energy, culture and diversity.

The franchise, temporarily called the Long Beach Baseball Club, is holding a fan contest to decide on a permanent name by Sept. 12. One popular suggestion is the “Long Beach Regulators,” a nod to Warren G’s 1990s hit “Regulate.”

Long Beach has hosted several minor league teams, though most had short runs. The Clothiers played in 1910, followed by the Beachcombers in 1913. The Barracudas debuted in 1995, rebranding as the Riptide in 1996 before relocating. The Breakers launched in 2001, won a title in their first season and folded in 2003 when their league shut down. The Armada played from 2005 to 2009 in the Golden Baseball League before a legal dispute ended their run.

This marks the city’s fourth attempt in three decades to establish an independent professional team. Supporters say working with the university and joining the Pioneer League gives the plan more stability than past efforts.

“Our goal is to create a team that reflects Long Beach, lasts in Long Beach and belongs to Long Beach,” the Long Beach Baseball Club said in a statement.

If successful, the team would begin play at Blair Field in 2026.

LBPD Officers Rescue 15-Year-Old Human Trafficking

LBPD Officers Rescue 15-Year-Old Human Trafficking Victim in North Long Beach

Long Beach, CA – On August 20, 2025, Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) patrol officers rescued a 15-year-old girl who was a victim of human trafficking in the North Long Beach area. The rescue took place at a motel in the 5300 block of Atlantic Avenue following a call reporting possible human trafficking.

Officers responded promptly to the scene and located the young girl, who had reportedly run away from a group home before encountering several adult male suspects. A preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had been sexually assaulted by multiple individuals.

The LBPD successfully rescued the girl and ensured she was connected with appropriate support services to aid in her recovery. “The trafficking of a child can have devastating and often enduring traumatic effects,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “I am extremely grateful to the officers who rescued this young girl and commend the detectives who are diligently working to identify, locate, and arrest any individuals involved in the trafficking of this child.”

While the suspects remain at large, the LBPD is actively investigating to identify and apprehend those responsible. Chief Hebeish emphasized the department’s unwavering commitment to combatting human trafficking, stating, “The Long Beach Police Department remains resolute in our commitment to eradicating human trafficking from our community.”

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the LBPD to assist in bringing those responsible to justice.

Long Beach Police Arrest Homeless Man in Fatal Sho

Long Beach Police Arrest Homeless Man in Fatal Shooting of Homeless Man

Long Beach homicide detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with the Aug. 28, 2025, fatal shooting of a 50-year-old homeless man in downtown Long Beach.

Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 49-year-old Billy Zepeda, who is also homeless. On Sept. 2, 2025, officers located Zepeda near Baltic Avenue and Willow Street and took him into custody. During the arrest, detectives recovered a firearm in his possession.

Zepeda was booked on suspicion of murder, ex-felon in possession of a firearm, and ex-felon in possession of ammunition. His bail was set at $2 million. Detectives plan to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office later this week for filing consideration.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.

Original incident
The shooting occurred around 4:23 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the 200 block of West Broadway, near Lincoln Park. Responding officers found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire Department personnel, where he later died.

The initial investigation revealed the suspect approached the victim, shot him, and fled the scene.

The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

Two Fatal Traffic Collisions in Long Beach Over Ho

Two Fatal Traffic Collisions in Long Beach Over Holiday Weekend

Long Beach police are investigating two separate fatal traffic collisions that claimed the lives of a motorcyclist and a scooter rider over the Labor Day weekend.

The first crash occurred Saturday, Aug. 30, at about 9:01 p.m. at 11th Street and Redondo Avenue. Investigators said a 2010 KTM motorcycle, ridden by 37-year-old Long Beach resident Roberto Barraza, was heading south on Redondo when it collided with a 2006 Toyota Sequoia traveling east on 11th Street. Barraza died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by Long Beach Fire Department personnel.

Police arrested the driver of the Sequoia, 33-year-old Long Beach resident Frank Andrade Jr., on suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Andrade was booked into jail with bail set at $101,781.

The second fatal crash happened early Monday, Sept. 1, around 3:19 a.m. at 7th Street and Federation Drive. Officers found an unconscious man in the roadway after he was struck by a 2016 Hyundai Accent while riding a scooter southbound outside a marked crosswalk. Despite aid from bystanders, officers, and paramedics, the man later died at a local hospital.

The driver, a 28-year-old Laguna Beach resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police said speed, distraction, and impairment do not appear to be factors. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Detectives are continuing to investigate both collisions.

Two Shootings, Two Stabbings Reported in Long Beac

Two Shootings, Two Stabbings Reported in Long Beach Within 24 Hours Days

Long Beach police are investigating a series of violent incidents, including two stabbings and two no-hit shootings, that occurred between Friday evening and early Saturday morning across the city.

On Aug. 29, 2025, at approximately 5:56 p.m., officers responded to the 5800 block of Gundry Avenue regarding a shooting. Investigators said a male adult suspect fired a single round at a male adult victim after a verbal altercation. No one was injured, but a vehicle was struck by gunfire. The suspect fled, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Just over two hours later, at 8:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Walnut Avenue for a reported stabbing. Officers found a male adult victim with a non-life-threatening stab wound to the upper body. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported him to a local hospital.

Minutes later, at 8:17 p.m., another stabbing was reported in the 5400 block of Atlantic Avenue. Police said a male adult victim suffered multiple non-life-threatening stab wounds to the upper body. He was also transported to a hospital for treatment. Both stabbing cases remain under investigation.

In a separate incident, on Aug. 30, 2025, at approximately 3:39 a.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Atlantic Avenue after reports of gunfire. Evidence indicated that a female adult suspect fired shots in the direction of a group of men who ran from the scene. No victims were found, and no injuries were reported.

Police have not announced any arrests in connection to the shootings or stabbings.

The back-to-back incidents raise concerns for many Long Beach residents about public safety. With shootings and stabbings reported within hours of each other.

Police urge anyone with information on any of these incidents to contact Long Beach detectives.

Police Investigating Deadly Shooting Near Lincoln

Police Investigating Deadly Shooting Near Lincoln Park

LONG BEACH — Homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Thursday afternoon in downtown Long Beach.

On Aug. 28, 2025, at about 4:23 p.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 200 block of West Broadway, near Lincoln Park. When officers arrived, they found a male adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the man to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries, police said.

Detectives believe the suspect approached the victim, shot him, and then quickly fled the area. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Long Beach homicide detectives.

Long Beach Homeowner Opens Fire on Burglars, Suspe

Long Beach Homeowner Opens Fire on Burglars, Suspects Crash and Flee

LONG BEACH — Police are investigating a shooting and crash that occurred after an attempted burglary Tuesday night in the 900 block of Gladys Avenue.

According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers responded at approximately 7:48 p.m. on August 26, 2025, after reports of gunfire in the area. When officers arrived, they located evidence indicating a shooting had occurred.

The preliminary investigation revealed that two male adult suspects attempted to burglarize a home when the male adult resident fired a gun. The suspects fled in a vehicle, and as they drove away, one of the suspects fired back. Moments later, the suspect vehicle collided with another car, prompting the suspects to abandon it and flee the scene on foot.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and have not released suspect descriptions at this time.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Long Beach Police detectives at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.

Suspect Steals Long Beach Police Vehicle, Talks on

Suspect Steals Long Beach Police Vehicle, Talks on Radio Before Arrest

LONG BEACH — A man was arrested Tuesday morning after stealing a Long Beach police vehicle and leading officers on a brief chase before surrendering, authorities said.

The incident began around 6:05 a.m., when officers were conducting parking enforcement in the 800 block of West 12th Street. Police said a man, who was not connected to the operation, entered a police cruiser and drove off.

“Officers located the vehicle in the area of Pacific Place and Wardlow Road, and a brief vehicle pursuit ensued,” Long Beach police spokesman Eric Stachura said. “The suspect yielded to officers, and he was safely arrested.”

The stolen vehicle was a black-and-white police pickup truck that was seen overhead by KCAL helicopter. The outlet also reported that during the chase, the suspect got on the police radio and communicated with officers before surrendering.

The man’s identity was not immediately released. Police said the investigation into the theft remains ongoing. 📸KCAL

Two Arrested, Seven Vehicles Seized in Long Beach

Two Arrested, Seven Vehicles Seized in Long Beach Burglary and Street Racing Takeover Investigation

LONG BEACH — Detectives arrested two suspects and seized seven vehicles following a coordinated investigation into a commercial burglary and illegal street racing takeover last month in Long Beach.

The incident occurred July 14, 2025, at Orange Avenue and Harding Street, where a business was burglarized during an illegal takeover. Detectives interviewed business owners, reviewed security footage, and gathered evidence that identified a suspect and several vehicles tied to the crimes.

With arrest and seizure warrants in hand, detectives—working with the Auto Theft Section, High Crime Focus Team, and patrol—served operations across Long Beach, Lakewood, Santa Ana, Inglewood, and Bell Gardens.

Seven vehicles linked to street racing were seized. Two suspects were taken into custody:
• Tonjai Webster Jr., 20, of Los Angeles — booked for commercial burglary.
• Christopher J. Villegas, 20, of Lakewood — booked for felony vandalism related to street racing.

“Our community was concerned by the actions that took place on July 14th and the Long Beach Police Department has responded with focused and direct action,” said Police Chief Wally Hebeish. “The outstanding work of our detectives and police officers has led to the arrest of suspects responsible for vandalism and burglary, as well as the seizure of vehicles from the illegal street racing event. We will not accept dangerous and criminal behavior like this in our city.”

The cases will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Detectives continue to pursue additional leads.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the LBPD Burglary Detail at 562-570-7351 or LBPDBurglary@longbeach.gov. Anonymous tips may be submitted through LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), via the “P3 Tips” app, or at www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Man Hospitalized After Shooting in Long Beach LON

Man Hospitalized After Shooting in Long Beach

LONG BEACH — Police are investigating after a man was wounded in a shooting Sunday night south of the city’s Bixby Knolls area.

On Aug. 24, 2025, at approximately 8:43 p.m., officers were dispatched to a local hospital after a man arrived with a gunshot wound, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Officers contacted the victim, an adult male, who had sustained a non-life-threatening injury to his lower body. He told investigators he was walking in the 3200 block of Atlantic Avenue when he suddenly felt pain and realized he had been shot. The man then drove himself to the hospital for treatment.

Police said they canvassed the area described but did not locate a crime scene.

Traffic Alert: A motorcycle and mini van collided

Traffic Alert: A motorcycle and mini van collided at Bixby & Lime just before 2:30 p.m. The motorcyclist was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. The minivan driver was uninjured and remained at the scene.

Long Beach Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint in Eas

Long Beach Police to Conduct DUI Checkpoint in East Division

LONG BEACH — The Long Beach Police Department announced it will hold a driving under the influence (DUI)/driver license checkpoint on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the East Division area.

Checkpoint locations are selected based on data showing where impaired driving crashes and arrests are most likely to occur. Police said the primary goal is to enhance public safety by removing suspected impaired drivers from the road.

“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” said Commander Jeremy Boshnack. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”

The department reminded drivers that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana can all affect a person’s ability to drive safely. While marijuana use may be legal in California, driving under its influence remains against the law.

A first-time DUI offense can carry serious consequences, including an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, along with a suspended license.

The checkpoint is funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, with support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Long Beach Mayor Speaks Out Against ICE Raids at C

Long Beach Mayor Speaks Out Against ICE Raids at Car Washes

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Mayor Rex Richardson is upset about recent raids by federal immigration agents at two local businesses, Andres Car Wash and Coast Hand Car Wash. Videos showed agents wearing masks storming in and taking workers who were just doing their jobs.

The mayor visited Andres Car Wash and talked to the owner, Andres. “What I heard was disturbing,” Mayor Richardson said. “Federal agents entered masked, without documentation, and took four workers simply trying to provide for their families.”

These workers are neighbors and parents, not criminals, the mayor explained. The raids happened even though a judge, U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong, made a rule in July that says agents can’t target people based on their race, language, job, or where they work, like car washes.

“These raids violate a federal court order and our values,” the mayor said. “Long Beach will fight back.” The city is thinking about taking legal action to stop these raids and protect its community.

Three People Stabbed in Separate Long Beach Attack

Three People Stabbed in Separate Long Beach Attacks Over the Weekend

Long Beach police are investigating three separate stabbing incidents that left multiple people injured over the weekend.

The first occurred Saturday, Aug. 16, around 5:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Neece Street. Officers arrived to find a male suspect being detained by several people at the scene. Investigators said the suspect and a man had been in a verbal dispute when the suspect stabbed him. The victim was taken to a hospital by a good Samaritan and is expected to survive. The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Long Beach resident Mauricio Antonio Guzman, was booked on one count of attempted murder. His bail was set at $1 million.

Less than 12 hours later, at about 5:25 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, officers responded to a residence in the 700 block of Orange Avenue after reports of another stabbing. Police said two women were assaulted during a dispute with a man and woman, and one of the victims was stabbed in the upper body. She was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Both suspects fled before officers arrived.

That evening, at 5:42 p.m., police responded to the 100 block of Pacific Avenue where a 16-year-old boy had been stabbed in the upper body. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers quickly located the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Long Beach resident Christopher Ivan Gonzalez, as he attempted to flee. While being arrested, Gonzalez allegedly assaulted an officer, though the officer was not injured. Gonzalez was booked on suspicion of attempted murder, resisting arrest, resisting arrest by means of force or violence, and disorderly conduct. His bail was set at $1 million.

All three investigations remain ongoing, police said.

Airplane Makes Emergency Landing at Long Beach Air

Airplane Makes Emergency Landing at Long Beach Airport

LONG BEACH — A small plane made an emergency landing at Long Beach Airport on Friday evening after experiencing a landing gear malfunction, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 7:10 p.m., when a Cessna carrying two people was forced to land. Airport officials confirmed the aircraft touched down safely despite the mechanical issue, and no injuries were reported.

Both occupants walked away unharmed. Operations at the airport continued with minimal disruption, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Long Beach Values Act: City to Discipline Employee

Long Beach Values Act: City to Discipline Employees Who Defy Sanctuary Policies

The Long Beach Values Act protects immigrants by limiting how the city works with federal immigration agents. The city strengthened it, adding rules like training city workers to block Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from non-public city areas and punishing workers who don’t follow the rules.

Some question if the Act breaks federal law. The Trump Administration called Long Beach a “sanctuary city” in May 2025, saying it might face penalties for not helping ICE. Federal law says cities can’t block immigration enforcement, but California’s Values Act (SB 54) supports Long Beach’s rules by limiting state and local police from working with ICE. A federal judge once ruled against punishing cities like Long Beach for this. Still, some worry the city could lose federal money, like the $315 million it got last year, if the Trump Administration challenges it.

Critics, like local group ÓRALE, say the Act still allows some cooperation with ICE for serious crimes. They also want people to be able to sue the city if it doesn’t follow the Act, but officials say this could lead to costly lawsuits.

City employees who disobey these sanctuary policies face serious consequences. If a worker, like a police officer or city staff, shares immigration information with ICE or lets agents into restricted city areas without a court order, they could get a warning, be suspended, demoted, or even fired. Residents can report violations through an online portal run by the city’s Human Resources Department, and vendors who don’t follow the rules may lose their contracts.

The Long Beach Values Act aims to keep immigrants safe and build trust with police. But with possible legal fights and federal funding at risk, questions remain: Can Long Beach keep its protections without breaking federal law? For now, the city stands firm, but the debate continues.

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