Long Beach police are trying to track down a hit-and-run driver after a dark-colored car struck a 49-year-old man in a wheelchair on Pacific Coast Highway early Monday, leaving him with a head injury but expected to survive. The collision happened shortly before 1:50 a.m. on PCH between Lemon and Orange avenues, near Long Beach City College, authorities said.
Long Beach Police spokesperson Andrea Moran told Long Beach Post the man was crossing outside a marked crosswalk when he was hit, and that the driver took off before officers got there. Detectives are looking into whether speed, distracted driving or driving under the influence played a role. So far, investigators only have a basic description of a “dark-colored” car, and no arrests have been announced.
Investigation Underway
Detectives with the Collision Investigation Detail are canvassing the area, checking for surveillance cameras and asking anyone nearby for information that could point to the fleeing driver. Investigators are also reviewing any available footage in hopes of getting a better look at the vehicle or identifying a suspect. Police have not released additional details about the car or driver while the investigation continues.
PCH Safety and Speed Cameras
The crash comes as local officials push to expand automated speed enforcement on Pacific Coast Highway, a stretch that city leaders say is responsible for a disproportionate share of Long Beach’s traffic deaths. State Sen. Lena Gonzalez has introduced legislation to allow speed safety cameras along the roughly 8.5-mile slice of PCH that runs through the city, and Long Beach officials have signaled plans to install 18 cameras on other streets as well, measures supporters argue would curb speeding and cut down on serious crashes, according to Long Beach Post.
Legal Notes
Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone is not just bad form, it is a crime. Vehicle Code §20001 requires drivers involved in an injury collision to stop, provide help and exchange information. Violating those requirements can result in prison time and fines, according to California Legislative Information.
Anyone who may have seen the crash or has dashcam or security video from around the time of the incident is urged to contact the Long Beach Police Department’s Collision Investigation Detail. The case is adding to ongoing concern from residents and officials about dangerous driving on PCH and other busy Long Beach corridors.
