One person is dead and another is hospitalized after a reckless driver slammed into their car at high speed Friday evening, according to Long Beach police. And after a lengthy search by SWAT officers, police say that reckless driver is in custody.

Police allege the driver, identified as 34-year-old Guillermo Penaloza, caused the deadly crash just before 7 p.m. as he sped away from officers who’d just spoken with him.

Police said the officers were patrolling when they saw Penaloza in a Chevy Suburban and “had a brief verbal exchange with him as they passed one another in their vehicles.” (Police didn’t immediately answer questions about what was said, but they noted the vehicle Penaloza drove was stolen.)

Penaloza took off at high speed on 14th Street, and officers followed at a distance, police said. At Cherry Avenue, the Suburban slammed into a much smaller Saturn sedan headed southbound. As officers tried to aid the man and woman in the Saturn, Penaloza ran, police said.

Police said they surrounded the area and called in SWAT officers who searched for nearly three hours before arresting Penaloza, who was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest. His bail was set at $50,000, police said.

Police said the man and woman in the Saturn were taken to the hospital where the man died. The woman remained in critical condition, according to authorities.

The man’s identity hasn’t yet been publicly released.

Police said Penaloza’s “speed and disregard for public safety appear to have contributed” to the crash.

What Happened on Friday Evening in Long Beach?

One person lost their life and another was hospitalized after a high-speed collision caused by a reckless driver on Friday evening. This tragic incident unfolded in Long Beach, according to the local police. The reckless driver, identified by the authorities as 34-year-old Guillermo Penaloza, was apprehended after an extensive search operation involving SWAT officers.

Who Was Guillermo Penaloza and What Led to the Crash?

As per the police, Guillermo Penaloza was driving a stolen Chevy Suburban and had a brief verbal exchange with officers who were patrolling the area. While the specific details of this exchange remain unclear, police have confirmed that the vehicle was reported stolen. Shortly after this encounter, Penaloza sped away from the officers, setting the stage for the ensuing calamity.

How Did the Pursuit Unfold?

Penaloza took off at a high speed down 14th Street, with officers trailing him at a safe distance. The chase took a disastrous turn at Cherry Avenue, where the Suburban smashed into a smaller Saturn sedan traveling southbound. The impact of the collision was devastating. Officers at the scene immediately rushed to assist the occupants of the Saturn, a man and a woman, while Penaloza fled on foot.

What Measures Were Taken to Capture Penaloza?

The police quickly surrounded the area and called in SWAT officers to aid in the search. The operation lasted nearly three hours before Penaloza was finally apprehended. He was subsequently booked on multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest. Authorities set his bail at $50,000.

What Were the Consequences of the Crash?

Tragically, the man in the Saturn succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while the woman remained in critical condition. The identity of the deceased man has yet to be made public. Police have cited Penaloza’s excessive speed and blatant disregard for public safety as significant factors contributing to this heart-wrenching incident.

How Can We Support Local Journalism?

As we process this tragic event, it’s crucial to recognize the value of reliable, local journalism that keeps us informed. The Long Beach Post has been at the forefront, bringing timely and accurate news to the community. If you appreciate the efforts of dedicated journalists and photographers who brave the front lines to deliver essential information, consider supporting them with a tax-deductible donation.

What Can We Learn From This Incident?

This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the ripple effects it can have on innocent lives. It also highlights the importance of quick and coordinated responses from law enforcement agencies in capturing suspects and administering justice. As the community mourns the loss of one of its members and hopes for the recovery of another, it’s a moment to reflect on the broader implications of road safety and the collective responsibility we all share.