UPDATE | A pedestrian who was struck by a car in North Long Beach early Friday morning and later died from his injuries has been identified by authorities.
Long Beach resident Julio Cruz, 57, was pronounced dead at 5:40PM on Friday, February 19, according to the coroner’s office.
Cruz attempted to cross southbound Artesia Boulevard on the east side of Butler Avenue when he was struck by a 2007 Honda Civic being driven by a Long Beach woman, according to the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD).
Officials believe that due to the man’s possible age and physical condition, he was unable to completely cross the street on a green signal, and stopped and waited on the center divider for the next green light, a release stated.
“As the light turned green again, the pedestrian stepped off the curb and began walking southbound towards the bus bench, located on the southeast corner,” the release stated. “The Honda Civic, which was traveling southbound on Butler Avenue on a green light, attempted to make a left hand turn onto eastbound Artesia Boulevard when it struck the pedestrian.”
Police responded to the incident at 6:50AM and discovered the car on Artesia Boulevard with front end damage and Cruz laying on the street with serious injuries. He was then transported to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center by Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) paramedics.
The driver was not injured and remained at the scene.
LBPD officials stated Cruz was pronounced dead at the hospital on Saturday, February 20.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is asked to contact Long Beach Police Collision Investigation Detective Brian Watt at 562.570.5520. 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.
PREVIOUSLY: Injury Collision Sends Man to Hospital, Closes Eastbound Artesia Boulevard in Long Beach
2/19/16 at 10:32AM | A collision between a male pedestrian and a vehicle Friday morning sent the man to the hospital in serious condition and resulted in the closure of eastbound Artesia Boulevard from Long Beach Boulevard to Butler Avenue Road, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) announced.
According to LBPD spokesperson Nancy Pratt, the collision occurred at approximately 6:50AM. The male pedestrian was crossing southbound on Artesia Boulevard at Butler Avenue when the vehicle (driven by an adult woman) attempted to make a left turn to go eastbound on Artesia Boulevard and struck the man.
The driver remained at the scene, Pratt said.
The investigation is ongoing.
No additional information was available at this time. The Post will update this report as the situation develops.
This story was updated at 11:17AM with additional information from Pratt.