Long Beach Police Officer OK After Shore Assault

Long Beach police said Monday that an officer and a suspect who allegedly attacked him during a Belmont Shore arrest were injured but would not require hospitalization.

In its first statement on the Sunday night incident, the Long Beach Police Department said at about 4:30 p.m. that the suspect, who was not named "due to the ongoing investigation," was a 23-year-old Long Beach resident.

He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, battery of a police officer, resisting/obstructing arrest, and for outstanding warrants, said department spokeswoman Lisa Massacani.

"Investigators are still very actively investigating this, so I can't provide many specifics," Massacani wrote in response to Patch questions. "However, I should have additional information for you tomorrow."

A report of two male suspects fighting near First Street and Roswell prompted a Long Beach officer to respond at about 10:12 p.m., Massacani wrote.

"The officer contacted the suspect, who refused the commands of the officer, and became combative," Massacani wrote. "Backup units arrived as the suspect was in the process of assaulting the officer, and effectively took him into custody. The officer and the suspect's injuries are not life-threatening."

She said it remains under investigation whether the suspect was under the influence, as was reported to Patch by eyewitness James Slesser.

On Sunday night, as a back-up LBPD officer arrived to the scene with flashing lights and siren, Patch arrived at about 10:30 p.m., and came upon this eyewitness, who we introduced to the sargeant on duty. To watch his interview (admittedly bad lighting on our Iphone so apologies for that) click here.

The police asked anyone how has information about this incident is asked to contact LBPD Violent Crimes Detective Benjamin Vargas at 570-7250. Anonymous tips may be submitted via text or web by visiting www.tipsoft.com.