A man died Friday evening in Long Beach after a single-vehicle collision led to his detention by police, followed by his death in custody. The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) indicated that officers had responded to a call shortly before 6 p.m. in the 5300 block of Cerritos Avenue regarding a crash into a residential fence.
Upon their arrival, officers found the vehicle in question in a backyard, with the male driver still inside. Law enforcement proceeded to have him exit and then handcuffed him as part of the ongoing investigation. Although the driver was subsequently handcuffed, officials have stated that no force was used in the process. The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) arrived on the scene to deliver medical aid to the man before transporting him to a local hospital where he was declared deceased, as confirmed by KTLA News.
The identity of the deceased man is currently withheld, pending the notification of next of kin. Since the incident occurred while the individual was in police custody, it has automatically triggered an in-custody death investigation. To thoroughly examine the circumstances of the incident, homicide detectives attended the scene. Further, an independent investigation is to take place, conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of the Medical Examiner-Coroner, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Anyone who can offer insights into this unfortunate event is urged to immediately contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Michael Hubbard or Jesus Espinoza at (562) 570-7244. Additionally, anonymous tips can to be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), or through their website.
