A teenage boy is recovering after he was shot while driving in North Long Beach early Saturday, then managed to get himself to a nearby hospital. Police say the teen arrived at the hospital around 2:06 a.m. with gunshot wounds and that his injuries are not considered life-threatening. Detectives later cordoned off a scene in the neighborhood and opened an investigation, but so far, police have not released any suspect description or possible motive.
Police account
According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers were dispatched to a local hospital after staff reported a juvenile male who had multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body. The blotter states the victim had driven himself to the hospital after the shooting, which happened near Atlantic Avenue and Artesia Boulevard. Officers later located a crime scene in that area, and detectives are now handling the case.
Local reporting
Long Beach Watchdog first reported the shooting Saturday morning, noting that police described the teen’s multiple upper body gunshot wounds as not life-threatening. The outlet also reported that the incident occurred at about 2:06 a.m. and that investigators were looking for information about a suspect vehicle.
Intersection history
Local coverage has previously flagged the stretch of Atlantic near Artesia as a trouble spot for gunfire. The Long Beach Post reported a similar hit-and-run-style shooting in the same corridor last year. Those earlier reports highlight how major arterials in North Long Beach have become recurring focal points for late night and early morning violence that draws law enforcement.
How to help
Detectives are asking anyone with information, including video or dash cam footage, to contact the Long Beach Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers. In an emergency, police say to call 911.
