Pomona man arrested and charged with murder of father in Long Beach – Press Telegram

LONG BEACH — A 35-year-old Pomona man accused of killing his father in Long Beach was 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 went to the 1900 block of Artesia Boulevard on Tuesday, initially after a report that a person had entered a business without permission and refused to leave.

“The police attempted to defuse the situation, but the suspect remained uncooperative. After refusing to obey the officers' commands, the officers deployed pepper spray and less-lethal 40mm rounds, without success,” police said in a statement.

Police said officers then had to use 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 arrest warrants. His bond 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 report of a carjacking. Morales was found with injuries to his upper and lower body. He was taken to the hospital by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics, where he later died, police said.

Investigators determined the victim was believed to be homeless in Wilmington and was engaged in an argument with the suspect, which escalated when Morales Jr. allegedly struck Morales with a vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding the fatal stabbing was asked 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