Multiple charges were filed today against a Long Beach resident suspected of killing a 47-year-old man during a drive-by shooting last month, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
Justin White, 27, of Long Beach was charged with five felony counts by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in connection with the shooting death of 47-year-old Long Beach resident Michael Thompson, authorities said. White’s bail was set at $3.135 million.
White’s charges include one count of murder, two counts each of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a controlled substance with firearm, cocaine and methamphetamine, according to LADA spokesman Ricardo Santiago. It includes an allegation that the defendant personally and intentionally discharged a handgun.
Thompson was gunned down during a possible gang-related shooting on Sunday, October 9 near Long Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, according to officials. They said he had been approached by two men in a truck and subsequently shot in his upper torso by one of the men in the truck before they drove off, fleeing the scene.
The victim was reportedly transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition. However, on Tuesday, November 1, detectives were notified that Thompson had died from injuries he sustained in the shooting, they said
On Wednesday, November 9, officers arrested White at a residence on the 700 block of Gaviota Avenue for Thompson’s murder. LBPD’s SWAT team was called to handle the incident “since it was believed the suspect was armed and dangerous,” officials said. White subsequently surrendered to SWAT officers and was arrested without incident.
Anyone with additional information in the shooting death of Thompson is urged to call Homicide Detectives Peter Lackovic and Oscar Valenzuela at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.
This story was updated at 5:36PM with more information on White’s charges provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.