A series of violent incidents across Long Beach since Mother’s Day weekend is raising new concerns among residents who say crime in their neighborhoods feels more visible and more frequent, despite city leaders continuing to report overall crime reductions.
On Monday, May 11, at approximately 8:52 p.m., officers responded to the 6300 block of Myrtle Avenue regarding a shooting. According to police, officers located evidence that a shooting had occurred and later learned that a male adult victim had driven himself to the Long Beach Police Department North Division substation on Atlantic Avenue with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the upper body. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the victim to a local hospital. The suspect fled before officers arrived, and investigators say the motive and circumstances remain under investigation.
The shooting came less than 24 hours after two separate stabbings were reported across the city on Sunday, May 10.
At approximately 8:13 p.m., officers responded to the 5600 block of Long Beach Boulevard regarding a stabbing. Police said a male adult victim suffered a non-life-threatening stab wound to the upper body and was transported to a local hospital.
Earlier that same morning, around 5:14 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Anaheim Street where another male adult victim was found suffering from multiple non-life-threatening stab wounds to the upper body. He was also transported to a local hospital.
In all three incidents, investigators say the motive, suspect information, and circumstances remain under investigation.
The violence has left many residents questioning the city’s public safety messaging. While Mayor Rex Richardson and city officials have repeatedly pointed to data showing reductions in certain categories of crime, some community members say what they are witnessing on the streets tells a different story.
Residents are asking: If crime is down, why are shootings and stabbings continuing to occur across multiple neighborhoods? Why do many residents say they feel less safe walking in their communities? And what additional steps are being taken to prevent violent crime before it happens?
Community members have also voiced frustration over what they describe as a lack of visible solutions to address repeat violence, illegal activity, homelessness-related concerns, and quality-of-life issues impacting neighborhoods throughout the city.
As investigations into the recent shooting and stabbings continue, residents say they are looking for stronger action and reassurance that public safety remains a top priority in Long Beach.
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