35-year-old man arrested for allegedly killing father in Long Beach

A 35-year-old Pomona man accused of killing his father in Long Beach has been arrested after a struggle with officers, police said Wednesday.

Juan Manuel Morales Jr. was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of killing 59-year-old Juan Morales on Sunday, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Officers responded to the 1900 block of Artesia Boulevard on Tuesday, initially for a report of someone trespassing at a business and refusing to leave.

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"Officers attempted to deescalate the situation, but the suspect remained uncooperative. After refusing to comply with officers' commands, officers deployed pepper spray and 40mm less-lethal rounds, which were unsuccessful," police said in a statement.

Police said officers subsequently had to utilize electrical weapons to get Morales Jr. to comply and take him into custody. He was then transported to the Long Beach City Jail on suspicion of murder and two outstanding warrants. His bail was set at $2,350,000.

On Sunday around 9:25 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway regarding a carjacking report. Morales was discovered with injuries to his upper and lower body. He was taken to a hospital by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, where he later died, police said.

Investigators determined that the victim was believed to be experiencing homelessness in Wilmington, and was engaged in a dispute with the suspect, which escalated when Morales Jr. allegedly struck Morales with a vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding the fatal assault was urged to contact LBPD homicide detectives Ethan Shear or Chasen Contreras at 562-570- 7244. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org .

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