Man in Wheelchair is Killed near Long Beach Intersection

A man in a wheelchair was killed Tuesday after he likely unexpectedly crossed in front of a motorist and was struck by the vehicle, Long Beach Police said today.

The crash was reported at 6:47 a.m. near the intersection of Orange and Alamitos avenues. Authorities identified the pedestrian as Bong Kim, 72, of Long Beach. He was a native of Korea, officials said.

Responding officers found Kim in the northbound lanes of Alamitos Avenue, according to a news release. Officers rendered medical aid until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived.

Investigators say the male driver who struck Kim immediately stopped, called 9-1-1, and, along with his passenger, rendered aid to the pedestrian until emergency personnel arrived. 

“It appears the pedestrian, who was seated in a wheelchair, suddenly entered the roadway from a driveway on the east side of Alamitos Avenue” officials wrote. “It is believed that the pedestrian was attempting to cross, westbound, Alamitos Avenue in the northbound lanes of traffic, when he was struck.”

Long Beach Fire Department paramedics transported the pedestrian to a hospital where he died. The driver is not facing charges at this time, officials said.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this incident to call Long Beach Collision Investigation Detective Richard Birdsall, at 562-570-7355.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.LACrimeStoppers.org.