On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department arrested a male juvenile in connection with a series of intentional hit-and-run incidents, one of which involved the death of 70-year-old Huntington Beach resident Steven Gonzales. The juvenile was later booked at Orange County Juvenile Hall on one count of PC 187(a) – Homicide and two counts of PC 245(a)(1) – Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
The investigation began in the 6000 block of Warner Avenue earlier in the day. Our Crimes Against Persons Unit detectives worked tirelessly to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect. Their relentless efforts led to the discovery of the suspect’s vehicle within the City of Huntington Beach, ultimately resulting in the suspect’s arrest.
We want to thank the community, business owners, OCDA’s Office, and law enforcement agencies for their support, tips, and partnership that directly assisted in bringing the suspect into custody.
“I would like to commend the detectives who investigated these terrible crimes for their tireless work in apprehending a dangerous suspect,” said Huntington Beach Chief of Police Eric Parra. “I would also like to thank the public for their tips and support as we searched for the perpetrator. The safety of our City is our top priority, and I want to reassure the community that they are safe.”
The investigation is still ongoing, and no further details will be released at this time. We continue to urge anyone with information related to these crimes to call the HBPD WeTip Hotline at (714) 375-5066. Additionally, please contact the OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (1-855-847-6227) to remain anonymous.
Original Post –
On Sunday, September 10, 2023, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) responded to a hit-and-run traffic collision in the area of Brad Drive and Edwards Street. The adult victim stated he was riding his bicycle on Edwards Street when a vehicle intentionally sideswiped him before fleeing the scene. The victim suffered minor injuries, was treated at the scene, and released.
At about 10:45 p.m., while officers were investigating the first collision, HBPD received reports of a downed bicyclist near Heil Avenue and Springdale Street. As officers arrived, they located the bicyclist lying in the street with major injuries. Despite the efforts of paramedics, the adult bicyclist succumbed to his injuries. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department- Coroner Division will release the deceased victim’s identity after confirming the victim’s identity and notifying the next of kin.
As officers were investigating both incidents, a third adult victim called, reporting he was riding his bicycle in the crosswalk at Warner Avenue and Edwards Street around 10:00 p.m. when he was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle fled the scene, and the victim suffered minor injuries.
At this time, it is believed the incidents are possibly related. Witnesses described the suspect’s vehicle as a possible black Toyota four-door sedan with significant front passenger-side bumper damage.
Detectives from the Crimes Against Persons Unit are investigating the incidents. We urge anyone with information relating to the crimes to call the HBPD WeTip Hotline at (714) 375-5066. Additionally, please contact the OC Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS (1-855-847-6227) to remain anonymous.
