A motorist who fled on foot from a fatal hit-and-run crash in Long Beach that also critically injured a woman was located and arrested, authorities said Saturday.
The suspect, 34-year-old Guillermo Penaloza of Long Beach, was observed while in a Chevrolet Suburban by officers who were doing pro-active patrols in the area prior to the crash Friday evening, the Long Beach Police Department reported.
“They had a brief verbal exchange with him as they passed one another in their vehicles,” police said in a statement. “After the exchange, officers observed Penaloza flee the area at a high rate of speed. The officers were not engaged in a pursuit, however, did follow the vehicle from a distance.”
A short time later, officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle, hit-and-run crash in the area of 14th Street and Cherry Avenue. Penaloza was allegedly speeding west on 14th Street, entered the intersection at Cherry Avenue and struck a southbound four-door Saturn driven by a 33-year-old Long Beach man.
That motorist was rushed to a hospital and later died from his injuries. His passenger, an unidentified woman, was rushed to a hospital in critical condition.
The driver who caused the crash fled the scene of foot, police said. A perimeter was established and SWAT resources were activated, and after about 2 hours and 40 minutes, officers located and arrested the suspect.
Penaloza was transported to a hospital for medical clearance prior to being sent to the Long Beach Jail, where he was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, stolen vehicle and resisting arrest. His bail was set at $50,000.
Anyone with information regarding the crash was urged to contact the LBPD at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-8477 or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.