Man Faces Charges in Long Beach DUI Accident That Tragically Claimed Toddler’s Life
Toddler Dies in Long Beach SUV Crash Amid DUI Charges
LONG BEACH, Calif. – A tragic incident in Long Beach claimed the life of a toddler and injured two others in a multiple-car accident, leading to murder and DUI charges against a local man. Lamont Ivan Russell, 55, is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to face these serious charges.
On Monday at approximately 11:30 a.m., Russell was driving a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva near Maine Avenue and Fourth Street when the vehicle reversed at high speed. According to the Long Beach Police Department, the SUV jumped a curb and struck three victims who were on the sidewalk.
Among the victims, 20-month-old Myrah Hunter suffered critical injuries and was taken to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. A 12-year-old girl and a 45-year-old woman were also struck and subsequently treated for their injuries.
Russell remained at the crash scene and was arrested, currently held with bail set at $335,000. The District Attorney’s Office has charged him with multiple offenses, including murder and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol and a drug causing injury.
Authorities have cited speed, distraction, and impairment as contributing factors to the crash. "Speed, distraction, and impaired driving appear to have contributed to this collision," police stated.
The Long Beach Police Department is actively seeking information from witnesses who may have observed the moments leading up to the incident. Those with information can contact Detective Dougherty at the LBPD Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7355.
