A toddler was killed and two others—a young girl and a woman—were injured when a man driving in reverse careened onto a Long Beach sidewalk, according to authorities.

The crash occurred Monday in the 400 block of Maine Avenue, the Long Beach Police Department reported. Officials believe the driver of a 2013 Chevy Captiva was making a turn when the vehicle suddenly reversed at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then went off the roadway, onto the sidewalk, and struck three pedestrians.

Police were called to the scene at 11:27 a.m., where they found a 45-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl injured, along with a 20-month-old toddler who later died. The toddler was identified by the Los Angeles County medical examiner as Myrah Hunter.

After the collision, Long Beach police officers provided lifesaving measures and, without waiting for paramedics, rushed the toddler to a hospital in an effort to save her. Unfortunately, she was pronounced dead at the hospital, authorities said in a statement.

The Long Beach Fire Department transported the injured woman and the 12-year-old girl to a nearby hospital, where both were reported to be in stable condition.

The driver of the Captiva was identified as Lamont Ivan Russell. Police stated that Russell remained at the scene after the crash and was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, vehicular manslaughter, and misdemeanor battery.

Russell is currently being held in Los Angeles County jail on $335,000 bail, according to jail records.

Authorities believe alcohol, speeding, and distracted driving were factors in the tragic incident. Investigations are ongoing.
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-03-03/long-beach-toddler-killed-when-car-speeds-backward-over-curb-man-held