LBPD Arrests Suspect -- 83 Yr Old Man -- In Hit-Run That Critically Injured Woman Crossing Willow St. @ LB Blvd

LBReport.com

News

UPDATE: Maria Mendoza, Critically Injured In Sept. 10 Hit/Run at Willow St./LB Blvd., Has Passed Away

LBPD Has Arrested Suspect, An 83 Yr Old Man

LBREPORT.com is reader and advertiser supported. Support independent news in LB similar to the way people support NPR and PBS stations. We're not non-profit so it's not tax deductible but $49.95 (less than an annual dollar a week) helps keep us online.

(Sept. 18, 2016, 9:15 a.m.) -- LBREPORT.com is deeply saddened to report that Maria Mendoza, the 59 year old woman critically injured in the Sept. 10 hit and run and Willow St./Long Beach Blvd., passed away from her injuries on Saturday, Sept. 17.

LBPD released photo of Maria Mendoza

[LBREPORT.com extends our sincere condolences to her daughter Isabel, and to her family and many friends. We hope that as these incomprehensible days pass, you will find strength and peace...and Maria's memory will be a blessing to you.]

(UPDATED Sept. 15, 3:35 p.m.) -- LBPD today (Sept. 15) announced the arrest of a suspect -- Edward Peterson, 83, of Long Beach -- in connection with a Sept. 10 hit and run at Willow St./LB Blvd. that left pedestrian Maria Mendoza in critical condition.

In an updated release, LBPD states that its Detectives "were able to locate Peterson after receiving a tip from the public" and thanked the media for sharing information with the public. LBPD adds that its investigation remains ongoing.

[Scroll down for further.]

(Sept. 14, 2016, 9:55 a.m.) LBPD seeks your help in finding this suspect or his vehicle:

LBPD says the suspect -- described by witnesses as an elderly white man with gray hair -- was driving the vehicle below when he allegedly struck and critically injured a woman crossing the busy intersection of Willow St./Long Beach Blvd. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at about 6:14 p.m...and allegedly left the scene.

LBPD released image

To view video of the vehicle, click here.

[LBPD release text]...When officers arrived on scene, they discovered the pedestrian lying unconscious on Willow Street being treated by Good Samaritans already on scene. The pedestrian was transported by Long Beach Fire Department Paramedics to a local hospital where she is listed in "Very Critical Condition".
The preliminary investigation revealed that a champagne or beige colored smaller SUV struck the pedestrian in the crosswalk. After viewing video from surveillance cameras in the area it was determined that vehicle, was possibly a Toyota Rav-4, with no cover on spare tire. It also appears that the vehicle failed to stop for the red light while traveling west on Willow Street at Long Beach Boulevard and eventually striking the pedestrian while she crossed southbound Long Beach Bl. west of Willow Street.
Witnesses on scene described the driver of the vehicle to be an elderly male white with gray hair.
The pedestrian has been identified as Maria Mendoza a 59-year-old female resident...She remains in very critical condition at a local hospital.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to call Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail Detective Steve Fox at (562) 570-7355.

At the conclusion of the Sept. 13 City Council meeting, Councilman Dee Andrews urged residents to pray for Ms. Mendoza (photo below).