28/08/2024
D.U.I. DRIVER FLEES, AFTER STRIKING PEDESTRIAN AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, SERIOUSLY INJURING PEDESTRIAN: DATE: Friday, 8-23-24. TIME: Approx. 11:53pm. LOCATION: Ocean Blvd & Pine Ave INJURED??? .law is on your side! Losing is NOT an option! LBPD STATEMENT:On Aug. 23, 2024 at approximately 11:33 p.m., an officer was responding to call for service when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle in the intersection of Pine Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. Long Beach Fire Department personnel transported the officer to a local hospital for his injuries and was released a short time later. The occupants of the other vehicle were treated at the scene by fire personnel. While officers were on scene investigating, a separate hit-and-run traffic collision occurred at approximately 11:53 p.m. in which a vehicle struck a pedestrian who was in the crosswalk. The pedestrian sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was to a local hospital by Long Beach Fire personnel. The suspect fled the scene; officers observed the suspect vehicle in the area of Pacific Avenue and 1st Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop and took the suspect into custody. The suspect was identified as Robert Bernal, a 34-year-old resident of Long Beach. He was booked for hit and run and driving under the influence. Bail is pending magistrate review.