(March 21, 2004) -- LBPD credits an alert citizen with helping officers arrest an armed man on a bus in downtown LB on Saturday March 20 at about 10:10 p.m.

In a written release, police say the alert citizen phoned police from a local business in the area of Aquarium Way and Shoreline Dr...and told the 9-1-1 operator that there were two male suspects on a Pine Ave. Link bus and one was carrying a pistol.

Officers located the bus at Ocean Blvd. and Pine Ave. and initiated a traffic stop.

"Officers made a tactical approach and evacuated the bus while the suspects were detained at gunpoint. Upon searching, officers located a loaded .22 caliber revolver concealed on one of the suspects, and officers arrested both suspects," LBPD says in its release.

A 19 year-old L.A. man was was arrested and charged with possession of a concealed weapon...and for three outstanding warrants. He's being held without bail. An 18 year-old L.A. man was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

"The Long Beach Police Department encourages people to be aware of their surroundings, and when they see suspicious activity, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 immediately," LBPD says.

The Department says anyone with information regarding this or any other criminal activity may call LBPD at (562) 435-6711...and citizens may also call 9-1-1 for an immediate response.

Other Department phone numbers available are the Gang Tip Line at (866) 426-4847, and the Drug Tip Line at (562) 570-7125. Both of these numbers allow the caller to leave an anonymous message at any time.