Long Beach police said a shooting on the 200 block of Aquarium Way shortly before 12:30 a.m. on September 1, 2026 led to a police chase that forced the closure of the northbound lanes of the 710 Freeway. Officers responded to reports of gunfire, arrived at the scene and discovered three injured individuals. Two of those victims were transported to a hospital for treatment, while the third received care at the location.
The incident prompted officers to pursue the suspects involved in the shooting. The pursuit continued onto the freeway, prompting authorities to shut down the northbound lanes of the 710 as a safety precaution. The temporary closure affected traffic in the area until the pursuit concluded and the scene was secured.
Police did not release the identities of the victims or the number of suspects involved. The focus of the response was to provide medical assistance to the three injured parties and to contain the situation on the freeway. The closure was lifted after the pursuit ended and the area was deemed safe for traffic to resume.
The shooting and subsequent chase represent a notable disruption to a major transportation corridor in Long Beach. The 710 Freeway carries a high volume of vehicles, and any interruption can have ripple effects on commuters and local traffic patterns. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the shutdown was necessary to protect motorists while the incident was investigated.
Investigators are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the shooting on Aquarium Way and the ensuing chase. The department has not provided further details on the motive or the status of the suspects at this time. The incident underscores the challenges police face when responding to violent events that intersect with major roadways.