Last night, the Long Beach Police Department noted a series of incidents in their latest blotter, marking a tense evening within the city confines. Notably, two separate shooting events occurred, thankfully resulting in no injuries, but raising questions around the growing disquiet in our streets. According to the LBPD blotter, the first incident was reported on the 500 block of 53rd Street, where, following a heated verbal altercation on September 11 at about 8:38 p.m., gunshots were fired. Officers discovered evidence of a shooting, though the involved subjects had fled before police arrival and are still unnamed.

In a separate incident hours later on September 12, around 2:22 a.m., shots rang out on the 300 block of Elm Avenue. The LBPD responded to the call and found evidence that a shooting took place. The suspect, or suspects, had also vacated by the time law enforcement reached the scene. As with the earlier shooting, motives and suspect information are being investigated.

Amid these incidences of potential violence, the LBPD also reported a success in their efforts to combat gun violence. In an operation conducted roughly at 10:00 p.m. on September 11, officers patrolling near 14th Street and Long Beach Boulevard reportedly observed individuals in a park after designated hours. The officers' investigation resulted in the recovery of a firearm and the arrest of a person prohibited from possessing guns. The suspect's identity has not been disclosed, but authorities indicate that their investigation is ongoing.