Stabbing Suspect Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting

At approximately 8:17 P. M., officers  from the Long Beach Police Department responded to a call of an active stabbing in the 3200 bock of E. Artesia.

The first officers arrived at the scene within approximately  2 minutes .

Upon their arrival they learned multiple victims had been stabbed by a male suspect.

The officers encountered the suspect and an officer involved shooting occurred.

A total of six victims were stabbed by the suspect prior to the officers encountering the him.

Five (5) of the 6 victims were transported to local hospitals. The victim that was not transported was treated at the scene for superficial wounds.

The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a knife has been recovered from the scene.

Homicide Detectives are on scene continuing their investigation. As with all hit officer involved shootings, investigators from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office responded to conduct an independent investigation.

The preliminary investigation so far has revealed the crime spree started at a multi-unit apartment complex on the north side of the 3200 block of E. Artesia.  The suspect stabbed three victims at this location, one female and two males. The suspect then proceeded across Artesia Street and entered a convalescent home on the south side of the 3200 block of E. Artesia, where he stabbed three more victims, all female.

When the first officers arrived on scene, citizens were frantically waving down the officers and pointing in the direction of where the suspect could be located.  With the help of these citizens, the officers were able to quickly locate the suspect. We believe the quick and courageous response by the officers, and the assistance of the nearby citizens guiding the officers in the right direction prevented any potential future victims.

Updates will come as more information is confirmed and made available.