Two men suspected of killing an employee of a Valero gas station in North Long Beach during a confrontation in its parking lot were arrested Wednesday.
Officers went to the 6900 block of Atlantic Avenue, near the Artesia (91) Freeway, at about 10:05 p.m. Tuesday on a report of a man suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper body, according to the Long Beach Police Department.
“Upon arrival, officers located an unresponsive male adult victim in the parking lot of a local business, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds,” police said in a statement.
“Officers rendered medical aid until being relieved at the scene by Long Beach Fire Department personnel,” police said. “The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”
Authorities withheld the man’s name, pending notification of his relatives.
“Through their preliminary investigation, detectives determined the victim confronted the suspect in the parking lot,” police said. “During the confrontation, the suspect shot the victim and fled the scene in a vehicle prior to officers’ arrival.”
Police said a motive for the shooting was not known.
A witness told ABC7 that he heard at least five gunshots at the gas station. Police were seen searching a Nissan sedan for possible evidence outside the business.
LBPD detectives announced Wednesday at around 5:15 p.m. that 35-year-old Wilmington resident Russell Nieto and 37-year-old Long Beach resident Eloy Lobato Jr were both arrested in connection with Tuesday’s killing.
Both suspects were located in the 4000 block of Long Beach Boulevard, about five miles from the station and near Atlantic Avenue, and were taken into custody, police said.
Lobato was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder and possession of a firearm. His bail was set at $2 million.
Nieto was arrested and booked on suspicion of possession of a firearm and accessory to murder. His bail was set at $35,000.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call Detectives Michael Hubbard or Jesus Espinoza at 562-570-7244. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or use the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.
