The Long Beach Police Department is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that unfolded on the evening of August 7, 2024, after officers responded to reports of a man with a firearm on a Metro Rail platform. Upon officers' arrival at West 5th Street and Pacific Avenue, the suspect, later identified as Tyrell Harris, fled, prompting a foot chase that led to the shooting.
During the pursuit, an officer-involved shooting occurred, with Harris sustaining a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Officers on the scene provided medical aid before he was transported by local fire department personnel to a hospital. Harris, a 35-year-old person experiencing homelessness, was booked into Long Beach City Jail on several charges, including criminal threats and assault with a deadly weapon, after being medically cleared. To further complicate his already precarious station, a previously issued No Bail felony warrant stood against him, ensuring he would remain held without bail.
The incident brought homicide detectives to the scene where it was determined that Harris had pointed what was later found to be an operable BB pistol at individuals on the platform and had made threats to shoot. Recovered by officers, the replica firearm was identified as a BB pistol equipped with a CO2 cartridge. No injuries to officers or bystanders were reported in the incident. Furthermore, officers were recording with body-worn cameras, with LBPD pledging to release the footage publicly following a review.
The department has set to fully and thoroughly investigate the shooting, which will also be independently reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, as is standard for all officer-involved shootings resulting in injury or death. In a bid to collect all pieces of the narrative, the Long Beach Police are actively reaching out for witnesses to come forward with any information. They've provided contact details for Homicide Detectives Sean Magee and Juan Carlos Reyes, as well as ways to report anonymously.
