Gunman Opens Fire On Long Beach Cops During Wild 710 Freeway Chase

LONG BEACH, CA — Three men were injured in an overnight shooting in Long Beach that escalated into a pursuit up the 710 Freeway, where the suspected gunman opened fire on pursuing police officers before crashing in downtown Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday.

The dramatic chain of events began at about 12:24 a.m., when Long Beach Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of Aquarium Way following reports of a shooting with multiple victims.

Officers found three adult men injured, according to LBPD. Two were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while the third was treated at the scene.

Police quickly identified a possible suspect and vehicle and later located the car, occupied by one adult man, near Burnett Street and Pacific Avenue, authorities said. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to pull over, sparking a pursuit.

Gunfire On The 710

As the chase continued northbound on the 710 Freeway, the suspect fired shots toward pursuing officers, according to LBPD. One Long Beach police officer discharged their duty weapon after the suspect fired shots toward officers during the pursuit, Officer Eric Stachura told Patch.

Neither the suspect nor any officers were struck by gunfire, and no officers were injured, police said.

The exchange prompted the California Highway Patrol to shut down northbound lanes of the 710 so investigators could process the freeway scene. The closure remained in place as the Tuesday morning commute got underway, according to City News Service. Connectors from the 405 and 91 freeways were also closed and a SigAlert was issued.

Chase Ends In Downtown LA

The pursuit continued into Los Angeles, where the suspect's vehicle ultimately crashed into a pole, according to LBPD.

Police said officers then used a 40mm less-lethal weapon to take the man into custody. The suspect, who was not struck by police gunfire, was arrested and taken to a hospital for injuries suffered in the crash. A firearm was recovered, police said.

LBPD has not publicly identified the suspect or disclosed what charges he is expected to face. The circumstances and motive behind the original Long Beach shooting remain under investigation.

Officers involved in the incident were wearing body cameras, and LBPD said it is reviewing the footage and intends to release it publicly as soon as possible.

The department will also conduct what it described as a full, multi-level review of the officer-involved shooting.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to contact Long Beach police detectives at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

City News Service contributed to this report.