Long Beach police have arrested the driver who ran from the scene of a violent and deadly two-car crash Friday evening. The crash occurred around 7 p.m. near 14th Street and Cherry Avenue, as reported by the Long Beach Police Department.
According to officers, they spotted the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Long Beach resident Guillermo Penaloza, while conducting proactive patrols in the area. A brief verbal exchange took place between the officers and Penaloza before he fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Although the officers did not initiate a pursuit, they did follow Penaloza’s vehicle for a short period.
Shortly after this encounter, officers were dispatched to the scene of a two-vehicle crash, which was determined to be a hit-and-run incident. The preliminary investigation revealed that a Chevy Suburban SUV, driven by Penaloza, was speeding west on 14th Street when it collided with a Saturn 4-door sedan at the intersection of Cherry Avenue. Tragically, the driver of the sedan, a 33-year-old Long Beach man, succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital. His female passenger was also hospitalized and remains in critical condition.
Following the crash, Penaloza fled on foot from the scene. Law enforcement officers set up a perimeter in the area and called in SWAT teams to aid in the search. After nearly three hours, Penaloza was apprehended. Prior to being taken to Long Beach Jail, he was hospitalized for medical clearance.
Penaloza has been charged with suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond. Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is urged to contact LBPD investigators at (562) 570-7355.
In conclusion, the swift actions of the Long Beach Police Department led to the arrest of Guillermo Penaloza following a tragic hit-and-run crash that resulted in the loss of life and serious injuries. The community is reminded of the importance of responsible driving and the consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident. Justice will be sought for the victims and their families as the legal process unfolds.