Long Beach Police Department's Collision Investigation detectives are currently delving into the circumstances of a tragic incident on August 3, that ended the life of 48-year-old Anthony Tapia, who was known to be experiencing homelessness. The fatal accident occurred roughly around 9:25 p.m. at the intersection of East 7th Street and St. Louis Avenue, according to a press release from the Long Beach Police Department.
Local authorities were called to the scene following reports of an injury resulting from a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon their arrival, officers found Tapia injured on the roadway and promptly provided medical aid. Long Beach Fire Department responded quickly, transporting him to a local hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, Tapia's injuries proved too severe, and on August 16, he passed away, as detailed in a statement obtained by the Long Beach Police Department.
The initial investigation has highlighted a hit-and-run scenario where a dark-colored SUV, traveling west on 7th Street, hit the pedestrian. It was noted that Tapia was crossing outside of a marked crosswalk at the time of the incident. The vehicle in question fled the scene immediately after the collision and has not been located since.
As detectives continue to piece together the events of that August evening, they are urging the community for assistance. The Long Beach Police Department is calling on anyone with information to step forward and contact Collision Investigation Detail Detective David Dougherty or Detective Efrain Pineda at (562) 570-7355. In an effort to cast a wider net, the LBPD also provides options for anonymous tips through "LA Crime Stoppers," with calls at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 TIPS" app, or by visiting their website.
