A tragic altercation in Long Beach resulted in the death of a pedestrian after an intentional vehicular assault. According to a CBS News report, the incident occurred early Sunday morning in the 1700 block of Newport Avenue around 1:45 a.m. The Long Beach Police Department arrested 28-year-old Isai Solis of Lynwood in connection with the crime.
The argument that preceded the incident ended with the suspect allegedly using his vehicle as a deadly weapon. The Long Beach Police Department's news release explained that "the preliminary investigation indicates the victim and the suspect engaged in a verbal dispute prior to the collision." Following this dispute, the victim attempted to cross Newport Avenue when he was struck. Solis then fled the scene, driving southbound on Newport before heading west on Wilton Street.
The prompt response by officers who discovered the man unconscious in the road was to no avail, as he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The victim was later identified as 28-year-old Samuel Ocegueda of Long Beach.
In the wake of the hit-and-run, detectives worked swiftly to apprehend the suspect. They located Solis hours later on the 12400 block of Santa Fe Avenue in Lynwood. Upon his arrest, Solis was "booked for murder, and his bail was set at $2,000,000," according to the Long Beach Police Department. The case will soon be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for consideration of formal charges.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter. They urge anyone with pertinent information to reach out to Homicide Detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Detective Jared Asato at (562) 570-7244. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by using the “P3 Tips” app or visiting their website.
