Police arrest man suspected of striking, killing father with car in West Long Beach

A 35-year-old Pomona man has been arrested on suspicion of killing his father by striking him with a car during an argument in West Long Beach on June 23, police said.

Juan Manuel Morales Jr. had been arguing with his father, 59-year-old Juan Morales, in the area of Santa Fe Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway that morning, according to the Long Beach Police Department. At some point during the argument Morales Jr. got in a car, intentionally struck his father, and then drove away, according to police.

Morales died at the hospital from his injuries, police said.

Detectives responded to the scene and identified Morales Jr. as a suspect in his father’s death, according to the LBPD.

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On Tuesday, police responded to an unwelcome person call at a business in the 1900 block of Artesia Boulevard and located Morales Jr. and the car used in his father’s killing.

Despite orders from police to exit the building, Morales Jr. refused, according to authorities.

Eventually, officers used pepper spray and 40 mm less-lethal rounds in an attempt to subdue him, but were unsuccessful.

After using an electrical weapon, commonly referred to as a Taser, the officers were able to take Morales Jr. into custody on suspicion of murder and two outstanding warrants, according to authorities. His bail was set at $2.35 million, they added.

It’s not yet clear why Morales Jr. struck his father or what they were arguing about. Police say they’re still looking into a motive.

Detectives will present the case against Morales Jr. to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office for filing consideration, according to the LBPD.