LONG BEACH, Calif.—A 46-year-old Los Angeles man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of a 60-year-old Long Beach woman who was killed when the suspect allegedly intentionally drove a vehicle into a group of pedestrians, police said Oct. 15.
The crash occurred at 6:34 p.m. Saturday at Shoreline Drive and Aquarium Way. Romelia Cuarenta Aguilar, 60, of Long Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene, and several other pedestrians were injured and hospitalized, although they were said to be in stable condition.
Police say the FBI responded to the scene.
“At this time, there is no indication that this incident was an act of terror nor associated with the current violence in Israel; however, the investigation is ongoing,” the Long Beach Police Department said Sunday.
The suspect was identified as Khalid Yagobbi, 46, of Los Angeles, the LBPD reported.
Police say Mr. Yagobbi was speeding eastbound in a white Chevrolet Bolt, in the westbound lanes of Shoreline Drive, when he drove through a red light and struck the pedestrians and multiple, occupied vehicles without slowing down.
Witnesses said the car struck Ms. Aguilar as she pushed a child in a stroller in the crosswalk and then slammed into multiple vehicles in the opposite lane.
Mr. Yagobbi, who remained at the scene, was taken to a hospital for treatment and then sent to the Long Beach Jail, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
His bail was set at $2 million.
“On behalf of the Long Beach Police Department, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Romelia Aguilar for their loss,” Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish said. “The violence and acts of terror abroad have generated concern and anxiety throughout our community, and this apparent act of violence has only added to that anxiety.
“The immediate response by our officers, detectives, and partners from the FBI has been instrumental in this investigation, and while there is no evidence indicating a nexus to the current conflict in the Middle East, we will remain vigilant as we continue investigating every aspect of this crime,” Mr. Hebeish said.
Police urged anyone with information about the suspect or the crash to call them at 562-570-7244.
