Chaos erupted in Long Beach as gunfire rang out in two separate incidents, one nailing a man, the other a startling but harmless misfire, according to police reports. In the first incident, the Long Beach Police Department rushed to a park located on the 100 block of Cherry Avenue after reports of a man with a gun on May 1. It was approximately 5:56 p.m. when officers converged on the scene, only to find it was because of negligent discharge.

James Webster, a 34-year-old experiencing homelessness, was arrested after officers determined that he had fired shots in the park. Despite the fear surely to have run rampant, no injuries were reported. The LBPD stated that Webster faces charges including possession of ammunition and a firearm by a prohibited possessor, disorderly conduct, willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, and probation violation. He is currently residing in Long Beach City Jail, and his bond is set at $35,000. Webster's supposed protection, two firearms, were promptly recovered at the scene.

Later that same night, at around 10:11 p.m., a more sinister scene unfolded. This time officers responded quickly to a shooting in the 500 block of Cerritos Avenue. Unlike the earlier event, this gunfire had found its mark. Arriving at the site, the LBPD discovered a male adult victim suffering from a bullet wound to his upper body. To save the man’s life, officers gave medical aid until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived and hastened him to a local hospital in critical condition.

The suspect or suspects had vanished before the police arrived, leaving behind no immediate clues as to their identity or the reasoning behind the shooting. The LBPD is now trying to piece together the puzzle of this hit shooting, with detectives having responded to investigate the scene further. An official motive is yet to be determined as the investigation continues earnestly.