Long Beach police have released new details and are asking for the public’s help identifying three suspects involved in the armed robbery of an off-duty LBPD officer that led to an officer-involved shooting on July 12 near Bixby Road and Orange Avenue.
Suspect Descriptions:
- Suspect #1: Male, Black, late teens or early 20’s
- Suspect #2: Male, Black, late teens or early 20’s
- Suspect #3: Unknown
Vehicle Description:
- Black 2006-2011 Mercedes ML 350
- Temporary registration sticker in front window (passenger side)
- 5 spoke wheels (appear factory)
- Tinted windows (right front passenger, right rear passenger and rear window broken out/damaged)
- Identified as having a temporary California license plate at the time of the incident
- Prior damage to right passenger doors
- Missing chrome molding on right rear door
- Missing the center cap on right front tire
- Black roof rails
- Sunroof
According to investigators, the off-duty officer was approached by two armed suspects around 1:30 p.m. and robbed at gunpoint. The officer fired shots at the suspects, who fled the area. Detectives now believe three suspects were involved.
The suspects escaped in a black 2006-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML 350, last seen traveling southbound on Orange Avenue from 37th Street. The SUV has several distinctive features, including a temporary California license plate, prior damage to the right passenger doors, broken passenger-side and rear windows, missing chrome trim on the right rear door, a missing center cap on the right front wheel, black roof rails, and a sunroof.
Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the suspects and suspect vehicle. The suspects are considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees the vehicle should call 911 immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact LBPD Homicide Detectives Hutchinson or Valenzuela at (562) 570-7244 or submit anonymous tips through LA Crime Stoppers.