The Long Beach Police Department apprehended a 14-year-old suspect and a 19-year-old man in connection with the Sunday afternoon attack, citing heroic life-saving medical efforts by responding officers.
LONG BEACH, Calif. Authorities in Long Beach, California, have arrested two individuals in connection with a violent daylight shooting that left a 14-year-old boy hospitalized with critical injuries. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday afternoon, triggered a rapid police investigation that culminated in the apprehension of a 14-year-old suspect and a 19-year-old alleged accomplice within 24 hours of the attack.
Detailed Incident Breakdown
According to a public statement released by the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), the shooting occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at approximately 12:49 p.m. The juvenile victim was reportedly walking southbound on Locust Avenue near the 5300 block of Elm Avenue in North Long Beach when he was approached by an unidentified male suspect.
Law enforcement officials stated that the victim attempted to flee the area on foot but was actively pursued by the suspect. During the brief chase, the suspect discharged a firearm multiple times, striking the 14-year-old boy in the upper body. After the victim fell to the ground, the suspect allegedly approached him and struck him with the weapon—an act commonly referred to as pistol-whipping—before fleeing the scene on foot before officers arrived.
Law Enforcement and Medical Response
When LBPD officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. Recognizing the severity of the trauma, the responding officers immediately began rendering emergency tactical medical aid. In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the country have equipped patrol officers with advanced trauma kits to manage severe bleeding before emergency medical services (EMS) arrive. According to the LBPD’s official press release, officers utilized these kits to apply chest seals and a tourniquet to stabilize the boy’s condition.
Emergency medical personnel subsequently rushed the victim to a local hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition. As of Friday, February 27, medical staff and police officials have confirmed that his condition has successfully been upgraded to stable, largely attributing his survival to the immediate medical intervention provided by patrol officers on the street.
Victim Information
In adherence to legal and ethical protocols regarding juveniles, the identity of the 14-year-old victim has not been released to the public. Authorities have confirmed that he is a local resident, but no further personal details will be disclosed to protect his privacy during the ongoing police investigation and his physical recovery.
Investigation Status and Suspects
The brazen nature of the midday attack prompted an immediate response from LBPD gang detectives, who quickly canvassed the neighborhood for surveillance footage, physical evidence, and eyewitness testimony. The localized police investigation led authorities to identify the suspected shooter as a 14-year-old male resident of Long Beach.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, law enforcement located and arrested the juvenile suspect in the nearby city of Lakewood. Because the suspect is a minor, his name is being legally withheld by the department. He was booked into custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
During the same apprehension operation in Lakewood, detectives also arrested 19-year-old Jian Xavier Salas, a resident of Long Beach. Investigators allege that Salas operated as the getaway driver following the violent attack. Salas was officially booked into a local detention facility on suspicion of attempted murder and acting as an accessory after the fact. According to Los Angeles County booking records, his bail has been set at $75,000.
Official Reactions
The severe violence directed at a minor has drawn strong condemnation from local law enforcement leadership. Long Beach Chief of Police Wally Hebeish addressed the incident in a public statement, emphasizing the tragic reality of youth violence while praising the swift actions of his officers.
“No child should ever be subjected to any form of violence, and no one should ever be involved in committing such a brazen and heartless act,” Chief Hebeish said. “The attempted murder of a 14-year-old by another 14-year-old is both tragic and disheartening. I am incredibly grateful for the immediate medical aid provided by our responding officers.