Driver arrested on suspicion of murder after intentionally hitting pedestrians in Long Beach: police

LONG BEACH, Calif. - A Los Angeles man was arrested on suspicion of murder after authorities accused him of intentionally driving his vehicle into a group of pedestrians in a Long Beach crosswalk Saturday night. 

Officials said the incident happened around 6:34 p.m. at the intersection of Shoreline Drive and Aquarium Way. 

The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Khalid Yagobbi, was arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of 60-year-old Romelia Cuarenta Aguilar, who died at the scene.

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Officials with the Long Beach Police Department said 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 Aguilar as she pushed a child in a stroller in the crosswalk and then slammed into multiple vehicles in the opposite lane.

Yagobbi, who remained at the scene, was taken to a hospital for treatment and was then jailed on suspicion of murder.

His bail was set at $2 million.

Additional victims were taken to the hospital in stable condition, authorities said. 

"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 LBPD 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," said Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish.

The FBI has joined the investigation. 

Police urged anyone with information about the suspect or the crash to call them at 562-570-7244.

City News Service contributed to this report.