A 24-year-old woman surrendered to Long Beach police this week following two crashes that happened months apart, authorities said.
Ahkeyajahnique Owens was wanted by police after allegedly hitting a bicyclist with his car in downtown Long Beach in October, according to police. The deceased, Raul Augustin Galopa, 35, died from his injuries.
Owens was taken into custody Wednesday and charged with involuntary manslaughter. Owens pleaded not guilty, according to court records.
A relative of Owens declined to comment when contacted by The Times.
Owens was initially arrested on suspicion of reckless driving on Oct. 6 but later released, police investigators said.
This week they also named Owens as a suspect in a car accident that hit two people and injured three on Sunday.
Traffic investigators said forensic evidence and video helped identify Owens as the suspect. Police did not say when they issued the warrant for Owens’ arrest.
The latest collision happened just after 10:00 p.m. Sunday at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Sixth Street. Investigators allege that Owens was traveling east on Sixth Street and ran a red light before crashing into a gray 2022 Nissan Altima that was headed south on Atlantic Avenue. His 2021 BMW 330i then struck a black 2017 Kia Soul headed north, according to authorities.
The police said that two young people were taken out of the Nissan car and pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Police identified them as 21-year-old Gilberto Lopez of Midway City and 24-year-old Bobbi Smith of Buena Park.
Three others were injured in the accident, including the driver of the Kia. Detectives suspect Owens fled before police arrived.
Investigators said speed may have played a role in both crashes Owens is suspected of being involved in.
Police say Gallopa was legally riding his bicycle east on Fourth Street when he was hit near Bonito Avenue. Gallopa was rushed to hospital, where he died from his injuries on October 20.
The Long Beach Police Department said a separate case related to the January 4 collision will be filed with the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the families of Smith and Lopez have turned to GoFundMe to raise money for funeral expenses.
Alejandra Lopez wrote that her family was left very sad by the death of her brother.
“Our family is living in the worst nightmares, he was the youngest of three, he left his two older sisters and his parents,” he wrote. “She is so loved. She was full of life. Her smile and laugh were genuine.”
Monique Jackson wrote on this website that her cousin’s death is a painful loss for the family.
“Bobbi was more than just a cousin. She was a daughter, a friend, and a light in many people’s lives. She had a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a way of making people feel seen and respected,” Jackson wrote. Whether it was through his laugh, his compassion, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Bobbi had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
