Terrorism Ruled Out In Deliberate Crash Into Crowd In Long Beach: LBPD

LONG BEACH, CA — Amid speculation online following a fatal traffic collision on Shoreline Dive, the Long Beach Police Department denied claims that the incident was connected to terrorism.

According to police, the suspect Khalid Yagobbi ran a red light at a high speed on the wrong side of the road and struck multiple pedestrians and occupied vehicles. Law enforcement said they believe the crash was intentional.

Due to the suspicious circumstances and current international events, the Federal Bureau of Investigation responded to the scene.

See related: Woman Pushing Stroller Killed When Driver Hits Pedestrians: Police

"While the motive remains under investigation, at this time, there is NO indication the incident is connected to terrorism nor the current violence in the Middle East," LBPD said. "Disinformation is irresponsible and can undermine public safety efforts; please look to credible sources for information."

LBPD officials said the claim that the department is under a gag order that prevents them from sharing information is false. Detectives actively investigating the case said information will be shared with the community as soon as it is available.

A 60-year-old woman, Romelia Cuarenta Aguilar, was killed in the crash as she was crossing the street in a crosswalk as she pushed a child in a stroller. A GoFundMe was created by Aguilar's family to cover funeral expenses.

As of Tuesday, $3,375 has been raised so far of the $20,000 goal.

"It is such a tragic news to be sharing right now, but we didn’t expect this," Aguilar's brother Juan Carlos Cuarenta said.

Yagobbi, 46, remained at the scene of the collision and was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was transported to the Long Beach City jail and is being held on $2 million bail.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact homicide detectives Sean Magee and Juan Carlos Reyes at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.

"On behalf of the Long Beach Police Department, I offer my deepest condolences to the family of Romelia Aguilar for their loss," said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. "The violence and acts of terror abroad have generated concern and anxiety throughout our community, and this apparent act of violence has only added to that anxiety."