Long Beach detectives are asking the public to help them track down an SUV that they say plowed into a pedestrian on East Second Street, then took off into the night.
The hit-and-run happened around 11 p.m. on May 24 in the 5600 block of East Second Street. The victim was rushed to a hospital with what police describe as significant injuries. On Wednesday, investigators released new surveillance video that they hope will finally point them to the vehicle and the driver.
What police released
According to MyNewsLA, which cites a Long Beach Police Department news release, the preliminary investigation shows a pedestrian crossing the roadway when she was struck by a dark-colored vehicle traveling eastbound on East Second Street.
Detectives told MyNewsLA they believe the SUV is likely a dark-colored GMC Yukon from around the 2000 to 2006 model years. It may also have a sticker or other distinctive emblem on the lower corner of the rear driver-side window. The outlet reports that Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the victim from the scene with serious injuries.
How to help investigators
Investigators are now betting that someone has seen this SUV, or caught it on camera. They urged anyone who witnessed the crash or recognizes the vehicle to contact the Long Beach Police Department's Collision Investigation detail at (562) 570-7132, per the Long Beach Police Department.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or via Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers.
Detectives are asking residents and businesses to comb through dashcam and security footage from the night of May 24 for any glimpse of the suspect SUV before or after the collision.
Second Street and hit-and-run trend
This case is the latest in a troubling run of serious crashes on or near East Second Street. In February, a bicyclist was killed after being struck in a hit-and-run at Redondo Avenue and East Second Street, the Long Beach Post reported. That coverage noted a broader spike in deadly traffic collisions across the city and growing pressure on officials to speed up safety improvements.
Police and traffic safety advocates say that in hit-and-run cases like these, public tips and video footage are often what break things open. Investigators stressed that anyone with information should call the Collision Investigation detail or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. Even small details, such as a bumper dent, a decal or a partial plate, could prove decisive. The department says it will review any videos provided by the public and follow up on credible leads.
