On 09/27/21, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officers responded to the area of Spring Street and Palo Verde Avenue regarding a hit shooting. Upon arrival, officers determined a Long Beach Unified School District school safety officer had discharged their firearm, striking a female adult in the upper body.
The preliminary investigation revealed the school safety officer was driving when he observed a physical altercation between an 18-year-old female suspect and a 15-year-old female juvenile victim occurring in the street.
Investigators have determined an 20-year-old male adult and a 16-year-old male juvenile were also involved in the assault; however, their participation level remains under investigation.
While the motive for the assault remains under investigation, detectives believe the suspect and victim are known to each other, and the 18-year-old female adult suspect initiated the assault.
When the female suspect, male adult, and male juvenile attempted to flee in a 4-door gray sedan, the school safety officer approached the vehicle, and the shooting occurred.
The female victim in the front passenger seat of the vehicle was struck.
Long Beach Fire Department responded to the scene and transported the female adult to a local hospital where she is in critical condition.
At this time, no additional injuries have been reported.
It should be noted no Long Beach Police Department employees were involved during the incident. The LBPD is only functioning in an investigative capacity.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will also be conducting an independent investigation of the incident.
The Police Department is deploying additional resources to the area surrounding the school and is coordinating with Millikan High School Staff to ensure student safety, including:
Assisting with the Safe Passage Program
Increased patrols during major drop-off and pick-up times.
Safety vehicles.
The investigation is ongoing.
On Oct. 5, Ms. Rodriguez was taken off life support and her organs were donated to five individuals. The family's lawyer has said (days ago) that the (now former) School Safety Officer should be arrested and prosecuted by the L.A. County District Attorney and state Attorney General's offices.
