Long Beach
Police Department

A suspect has been arrested in connection to two January 2024 assaults.

On Jan. 4, 2024, officers responded to two separate physical assaults, believed to involve the same suspect. In each of the two incidents, the suspect struck a female adult victim with a metal pole.

At approximately 9:47 a.m., officers responded to the area of 21st Street and Locust Avenue regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. Investigation indicates a female adult victim was pushing a child in a stroller when the suspect assaulted her with a metal object. The victim was transported to a local hospital for her injuries, the child was not harmed.

At approximately 12:27 p.m., officers responded to the area of 21st Street and Pine Avenue regarding an assault with a deadly weapon. The investigation indicates a female adult victim walking outside and passed the suspect, who struck her with a metal object without warning. The victim declined medical treatment at the scene.

At the time of the incidents, the LBPD detectives pursued all leads, collected evidence, and collaborated with patrol officers to identify a suspect. The department also released a public information bulletin seeking assistance from our community to help identify a suspect.

Through their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Job Jesse Villegas, a 27-year-old person experiencing homelessness. They presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, who issued an arrest warrant.

On May 13, 2024, detectives from the Special Investigations Division arrested suspect Villegas in the City of Los Angeles. He was transported to the Long Beach City Jail where he was booked for assault with a deadly weapon, battery, trespassing, and prior warrants. Bail was set at $710,000.

Anyone with information regarding these assaults is asked to contact the LBPD Violent Crimes Detail at 562.570.7250. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 TIPS” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.