LBPD Blotter – Dec. 31, 2022

Welcome to the LBPD Blotter!

As part of our ongoing commitment to external communications and providing valuable information to our community, the Department will begin posting information about recent police activity, ongoing investigations, and other LBPD updates to the Department’s homepage and on the “News” tab of the Department’s website.

At approximately 10:00 a.m. each day, community members will be able to read preliminary information about incidents that may have occurred the previous evening, including shootings, stabbings, traffic fatality, and murder investigations, as well as any other notable incidents. This page will be a resource for the public to learn more about enforcement efforts, arrests, and commendable events and will be updated as new incidents occur.

Here’s a recap of incidents occurring last night:

• No shootings nor stabbings reported overnight. 

• Detectives are investigating a child abduction - public assistance needed. LBPD is asking for the public's help locating a 4-year-old boy, Zayne Rhodes, who was abducted by his father, suspect Stephen Rhodes. For more information, please see the news release. 
  UPDATE 10:30 A.M. The child was located unharmed and reunited with his mom. The suspect was arrested. 

UPDATE 1:00 p.m.

• Traffic collision involving a Metro train and bicyclist. On 12/31/22 at approximately 11:16 a.m., officers responded to Spring Street and Del Mar Avenue regarding an injury traffic collision involving a Metro train and a bicyclist. The preliminary investigation indicates the train was traveling southbound when the bicyclist rode westbound on Spring Street, around the crossing arms that were down. The male adult bicyclist was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire with critical injuries. Spring Street is closed between Pacific Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. The investigation is ongoing. 

• Traffic Fatality – 300 block of Market Street. Tonight, at approximately 5:22 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of Market Street regarding a traffic collision. Preliminary investigation indicates a male adult and female adult were attempting to push a vehicle out of traffic lanes when a second vehicle struck the man. The man was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Market Street is currently closed between Elm Avenue and Linden Avenue, please avoid the area. Additional information will be available in a forthcoming news release. The investigation is ongoing.
  News Release

• Traffic Fatality – Pacific Avenue and 27th Street. Tonight, at approximately 6:44 p.m., officers responded to Pacific Avenue and 27th Street regarding a traffic collision. Preliminary investigation indicates a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle as they were crossing Pacific Avenue, in the north crosswalk. The vehicle fled the area (hit-and-run). The pedestrian was then hit by two additional vehicles who remained on-scene. Pacific Avenue is currently closed, please avoid the area. Additional information will be available in a forthcoming news release. The investigation is ongoing.
  News Release

• Hit Shooting – 2300 block of Locust Avenue. Tonight, at approximately 6:33 p.m., officers responded to a hit shooting in the 2300 block of Locust Avenue. A male adult victim was shot by a male adult suspect who then fled the area. The victim was transported to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire with non-life-threatening injuries. Suspect information and motive are under investigation. The investigation is ongoing.

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

Update 1/1/23: Changes were made in red to reflect updated preliminary information and add links to news releases.