A motorist was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Long Beach, and an investigation was underway Wednesday.
Officers sent to Atlantic Avenue and Anaheim Street at about 11:50 p.m. Tuesday found the man trapped inside a 2012 Ford Focus, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
Rodger Lee Watkins, 60, of Long Beach died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
Police said the preliminary investigation indicates that a 2012 Lexus IS250 was traveling north on Atlantic approaching Anaheim, while the Focus was traveling east on Anaheim approaching the intersection.
“The Lexus broadsided the Ford in the middle of the intersection causing the Ford to lose control,” police said. “The Ford struck a traffic signal light and an abandoned building on the northeast corner of the intersection. The Lexus lost control and struck a bus bench on the northeast corner of the intersection.”
The Lexus driver, a 31-year-old Long Beach resident, was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The person’s name was not immediately released.
“Speed, distracted driving and impaired driving are being investigated as potential factors in this collision,” police added.
Anyone with information about the crash was urged to call LBPD Detective Shawn Loughlin at 562-570-7355, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. Tipsters may also use the website www.LACrimeStoppers.org.