Long Beach, California (March 2, 2026) — A 20-month-old girl was killed, and two others were injured Monday morning after an SUV reversed onto a residential porch and struck them in Long Beach, according to authorities.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the toddler who died as Myrah Hunter.
The crash occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. Monday in the 400 block of Maine Avenue.
Incident Details: According to the Long Beach Police Department, a 2013 Chevrolet Captiva driven by Lamont Ivan Russell, 55, of Long Beach, was making a turning movement when the vehicle suddenly reversed at a high rate of speed.
Police said the SUV jumped the curb, traveled onto the sidewalk, and crashed into three people who were sitting on a porch outside a residence.
Myrah Hunter sustained severe injuries in the collision. Long Beach police officers quickly transported the toddler to a nearby hospital in an effort to save her life, but she later died from her injuries.
Two additional victims were also struck in the crash. A 45-year-old woman and a 12-year-old girl were transported to a hospital by Long Beach Fire Department paramedics. Authorities said both were in stable condition. Officials have not confirmed whether the victims were related.
Witnesses reported hearing a scream before seeing the vehicle partially on the porch. One nearby resident told reporters she saw the SUV pinned against the structure after reversing onto the property.
Authorities said the driver remained at the scene and was questioned by investigators.
Investigation: Long Beach police arrested Lamont Ivan Russell on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, felony driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, and misdemeanor battery.
Investigators believe that speed, distraction, and impairment may have contributed to the crash. According to police, Russell’s vehicle reversed suddenly while he was attempting a turning maneuver. In situations involving unintended acceleration or sudden reversing, investigators often analyze pedal application, vehicle positioning, and potential driver impairment.
Russell was booked into the Los Angeles County inmate reception center in downtown Los Angeles. Jail records show his bail was set at $335,000.
The Long Beach Police Department’s Collision Investigation Detail is continuing to investigate the crash and has asked anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
Legal Considerations: When a collision involves alleged impairment and results in a fatality, the driver may face both criminal prosecution and civil liability. Charges such as vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence carry significant penalties under California law. Cases involving vehicles leaving the roadway and striking pedestrians or people on private property often raise questions about driver control, impairment, and whether reasonable care was exercised.
Beyond the criminal case, Myrah’s family might be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to cover funeral costs and the deep emotional pain caused by the tragedy. The injured woman and young girl might also have potential personal injury claims to help with medical bills, depending on the investigation’s findings.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to young Myrah’s family and loved ones, and I wish healing and recovery for those injured.
Source: MyNewsLA