Police: Two Arrested in Hit and Run Death

Long Beach Police arrested two men in connection with an alleged hit and run incident that killed a 24 year-old Long Beach woman last Wednesday. 

Compton resident Froylan Velazquez, 26, was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run on Tuesday. Also arrested was Edward Martinez, 26, of Bellflower who police said was booked as an alleged accessory to the crime.

According to police, 24 year-old Long Beach resident Serena Medina and a second victim were struck by Velazquez's vehicle shortly before 2 a.m. on Feb. 13 near the intersection of Third Street and Pine Avenue in Long Beach. While the second victim survived, Medina later died at a local hospital from her injuries.

Homicide detectives said that a preliminary investigation revealed that Medina and the second victim were involved in an altercation with another group before they were struck by Velazquez's vehicle.

"As the investigation progressed, it became clear to investigators that this was not a typical traffic accident, and possibly was an intentional act," Long Beach Police said in a release.

Police said that Velazquez's vehicle fled the scene and was later found in Compton after an all day search.

Anyone with further information on the incident is being asked to contact Long Beach Police detectives Hugo Cortes or Peter Lackovic at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or texting TIPLA plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES).