Pedestrian killed in Long Beach hit and run may have been suicidal, police say

A pedestrian who may have been trying to commit suicide was struck by a vehicle and killed near Belmont Heights in Long Beach, and police sought the hit-and-run motorist responsible for the death.

William Mendoza, 27, of Buena Park died at the scene of the accident, which occurred about 1:15 a.m. at E. 7th Street and Redondo Avenue, said coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter.

Police said in a statement Monday that officers were initially dispatched to an attempted suicide call in the area.

“The call indicated a male subject was jumping in front of traffic, in an attempt to be hit, and eventually laid down in the roadway,” police said in a statement. “A moment later, officers were notified that the individual was struck by a vehicle and the vehicle fled the scene.”

Police found Mendoza unconscious and not breathing. Long Beach Fire Department persoel determined he was dead at the scene.

Police were seeking a white 2006-2010 Chrysler 300 that left the scene. No description was available of the motorist. Anyone knowing more about the case was urged to call Long Beach Police Department Collision Investigation Detail Detective Steve Fox at 562-570-7355. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.

Advertisement