A woman was tragically killed in a hit-and-run on Atlantic Avenue this past weekend, stirring the Long Beach community into mourning and sparking a police manhunt for the perpetrator. The Long Beach Police Department reported that the fatal incident unfolded on the evening of December 9, when the victim, a female pedestrian, was fatally struck by a vehicle.
According to the official police press release, officers were called to the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Patterson Street around 5:26 p.m. after receiving reports of an injury-related traffic accident. Emergency responders arrived at the scene to find the woman already gravely injured, her life a flicker about to be snuffed out, despite paramedics' efforts to save her. The driver of the vehicle that struck her had initially fled but subsequently returned to the scene and was taken into custody by Long Beach police.
Investigators have confirmed that the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ronald Quispe of Long Beach, was arrested and charged with felony hit-and-run. Quispe, who complied with authorities during the inquiry, is now facing serious legal repercussions, with bail set at a cold $0. Speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence have currently been ruled out as factors in the tragic collision.
The name of the deceased has been withheld, pending the sensitive process of informing her loved ones. In pursuit of justice and to piece together the circumstances of the event, the LBPD is urging any potential eyewitnesses to come forward with information. Detective Joseph Johnson, from the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail, stands ready to receive leads on the case. Johnson, perhaps hoping against hope for that one call that breaks the case wide open. The public can reach out to Johnson directly or provide anonymous tips through "LA Crime Stoppers".
