LBPD Blotter - 1/23/24

Welcome to the LBPD Blotter!

As part of our ongoing commitment to external communications and providing valuable information to our community, the Department posts preliminary information about incidents that occurred the previous evening, including shootings and stabbings, as well as any other LBPD updates to the Department’s homepage and on the “News” tab of the Department’s website. This page will be updated as new incidents occur.

• No-hit shooting - 3300 block of De Forest Avenue: On Jan. 22, 2024, at approximately 6:42 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of De Forest Avenue regarding an assault with a vehicle call which was later determined to be an assault with a firearm. Upon arrival, officers located four adult victims. Officers located evidence, including strike marks, a bullet hole and a bullet casing, indicating a shooting had occurred. The preliminary investigation indicates a verbal dispute occurred which escalated when the suspect discharged a firearm at the victims. The suspect was subsequently arrested and transported to Long Beach City Jail for booking. The suspect was identified as Edwin Cruz, a 37-year-old resident of Long Beach who was booked for attempted murder, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.  No injuries were reported. Bail was set at $1,000,000. The investigation is ongoing.

• Burglary with SWAT resources - 2200 block of Santa Fe Avenue: On Jan. 22, 2024 at approximately 6:26 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Santa Fe Avenue regarding a burglary. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victims who advised a male adult suspect broke into their residence. The suspect pointed a gun at the victims before fleeing into a vacant unit and barricading himself inside. SWAT resources were activated and attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the suspect refused to comply with orders to exit the residence. After multiple hours of negotiation, tear gas was deployed into the residence, the suspect attempted to flee at which point officers deployed a 40mm less-lethal round and a K9. After deploying a K9, the suspect was taken into custody and was transported to a local hospital to be medically cleared prior to booking. The investigation is ongoing.

This information is preliminary and is intended for early information use rather than being a formal investigative report.