TRAFFIC FATALITY AND ARREST - CHERRY AVENUE AND 14TH STREET

Collision Investigation detectives are investigating an Aug. 2, 2024 fatal traffic collision which resulted in the death of a male adult. The suspect is in custody.

At approximately 6:55 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Cherry Avenue and 14th Street regarding an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles. Officers began lifesaving measures until the Long Beach Fire Department arrived and took over medical aid. The male adult driver and female adult passenger of the impacted vehicle were transported to a local hospital by the Long Beach Fire Department. The driver later succumbed to his injuries and the passenger was reported in critical condition.

The suspect fled the scene. Additional officers began setting a perimeter. SWAT resources were activated. After approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes, officers located and arrested the suspect. He was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance prior to being transported to Long Beach City Jail. He was identified as Guillermo Penaloza, a 34-year-old resident of Long Beach. He was booked for vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest. His bail is set at $50,000.

The preliminary investigation revealed a Chevy Suburban SUV, driven by Guillermo Penaloza, was driving west on 14th Street at a high rate of speed. The Suburban SUV entered the intersection of Cherry Avenue and collided with a Saturn 4-door sedan, driven by 33-year-old male resident of Long Beach. The Saturn sedan was traveling south on Cherry Avenue.

Prior to the traffic collision, LBPD officers were working proactive patrols in the area when they observed suspect Penaloza in his vehicle. They had a brief verbal exchange with him as they passed one another in their vehicles. 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.

Speed and disregard for public safety appear to have contributed to this incident.

Information regarding the decedent is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Collision Investigation Detective Dougherty at 562-570-7355. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smartphone (available at the Apple app store or Google Play), or by visiting www.LACrimeStoppers.org.