A man from Torrance was arrested earlier this month in connection with the August murder of a 16-year-old in Long Beach, police announced.
According to a release issued by the Long Beach Police Department, the shooting occurred in the 3300 block of 67th Street around 2:40 p.m. on Aug. 4.
Officers were originally called to the location on reports of a person who was shot in the street, and upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a male teenage victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper and lower body.
The teen, who was a resident of the city of Bell, was pronounced dead at the scene, LBPD said.
“Through [homicide detectives’] preliminary investigation, they determined the victim’s adult male relative drove him to the area,” police stated the day after the shooting. “The victim exited the vehicle and returned a short time later followed by a group of unknown subjects. Moments later, a shooting occurred, striking the victim and the relative’s vehicle.”
The relative immediately fled the scene and called police, authorities added. He had suffered a minor injury to his upper body and received treatment at the scene.
The group of unknown subjects fled on foot before officers’ arrival.
Over the ensuing months, investigators continued to look into the fatal shooting and eventually identified a Torrance resident, 41-year-old Ronald Guidry, as the suspect.
He was located and arrested in Las Vegas by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on Oct. 17, Long Beach police said. Search warrants were subsequently served in Perris, Moreno Valley and Rialto in addition to Las Vegas.
The shooting was determined to be gang-related, according to authorities.
“This arrest is an important step in bringing justice for the young life lost to such a senseless crime,” Long Beach Police Department Chief Wally Hebeish stated. “Gang violence is not tolerated in our city, and our department remains steadfast in our commitment to hold those involved responsible.”
LBPD also extended their gratitude to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers for locating Guidry, who is still awaiting extradition to L.A. County.
Anyone with additional information on the Aug. 4 shooting is urged to contact Long Beach Police Department Homicide detectives Oscar Valenzuela or Leticia Gamboa by calling 562-570-7244.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org
