A wrong-way driver who Long Beach police believe intentionally drove through a red light and struck several pedestrians in a crosswalk Saturday evening, killing one, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Due to the circumstances of the accident coupled with tensions in the Middle East, the FBI responded to the scene at Shoreline Drive and Aquarium Way, but police said Sunday no evidence has yet turned up indicating the incident was an act of terror.
“The violence and acts of terror abroad have generated concern and anxiety throughout our community,” Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in a statement Sunday. “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.”
The suspect, who remained at the scene, was identified as Khalid Yagobbi, 46, of Los Angeles. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and then booked into the Long Beach City Jail on suspicion of murder. He was being held on $2-million bail.
Police allege that Yagobbi was speeding in a Chevrolet Bolt eastbound in the westbound lanes of Shoreline Drive around 6:30 p.m. when he drove through a red light and struck the pedestrians and multiple occupied vehicles, without slowing.
Multiple pedestrians were taken hospitals. Their conditions were given as stable, police said. The woman who died at the scene was identified as Romelia Cuarenta Aguilar, 60, of Long Beach.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Sean Magee and Juan Carlos Reyes at (562) 570-7244.
Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org or by downloading the “P3 Tips” smartphone app.
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