A 14-year-old boy is behind bars on suspicion of attempted murder after a midday shooting in north Long Beach left another 14-year-old critically wounded in a residential neighborhood, according to police. Officers say their on-scene medical care helped keep the victim alive until paramedics could rush him to the hospital. The suspect was arrested the next day in nearby Lakewood and is being held while detectives keep digging into what happened.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish publicly praised the officers who raced to the scene, telling the Press-Telegram, "I am incredibly grateful for the immediate medical aid provided by our responding officers. Their heroic efforts undoubtedly saved this young man's life." The department has described the shooting as gang-related, and detectives have been canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and video.
What police say
The Long Beach Police Department says the shooting broke out on Sunday at about 12:50 p.m. in the 5300 block of Elm Avenue. Investigators allege the suspect walked up to the 14-year-old victim as he headed south on Locust Avenue, a block west of Elm, and opened fire, hitting him multiple times in the upper body.
Officers arriving at the scene applied chest seals and a tourniquet while they waited for paramedics, who then took the teen to a hospital. He remained hospitalized in critical condition, authorities said.
Arrest and legal steps
Police identified the suspect as 14-year-old Xavier Salasa. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and accessory after the fact and is being held on $75,000 bail, according to the Press-Telegram.
Detectives presented the case to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office for filing consideration on Tuesday. A search of Los Angeles County court records showed no cases against Salasa as of 10 a.m. Friday.
How to help
The Long Beach Police Department is asking anyone with video or information about the shooting to contact detectives or submit an anonymous tip through the department's tip portal. Residents can find reporting and tip options on the department's website, including an online form where they can upload photos or video that might help the investigation.
