KTLA

Long Beach police ID San Pedro man as shooter in weekend killing

The Long Beach Police Department has arrested a San Pedro man they say was the shooter in a Saturday morning killing.

Christopher Rene Salguero, 24, was arrested on Monday in the 1400 block of West 9th Street in San Pedro, the LBPD said in a news release.

According to police, Salguero was the person who shot Johnny Santos, a 32-year-old Long Beach resident, just before 1 a.m. Saturday in the 5300 block of East 2nd Street.

Santos was shot in the upper body and was taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

“The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was initially engaged in a physical altercation with an unknown male adult suspect, which escalated when the suspect revealed a firearm and shot the victim,” police said. “The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived.”

Police did not say how they identified Salguero as the suspected shooter, nor what may have prompted the initial fight.

“The motive for the murder remains under investigation,” police said.

Salguero faces charges of murder and discharging a firearm resulting in great bodily injury, as well as another charge form Riverside County. He is being held by the LBPD in lieu of $3.025 million bail.

No court date was listed in jail records.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Jesus Espinoza or Alfredo Chairez at 562-570-7244.

Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.