Charles Norman Killed in Long Beach Hit-and-Run Crash; Suspect Arrested
LONG BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2026) — Charles Norman, 64, was crossing Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach last week when he was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver.
The pedestrian, who was using a wheelchair, suffered major injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene around 12:35 a.m. on Sept. 18th.
According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office he died from traumatic injuries.
Norman had been crossing in a marked crosswalk in an eastbound direction across Pacific Coast Highway at East Seventh Street, police said.
The driver, 23-year-old Ethan Chung of Irvine, was traveling southbound in a white BMW sedan when he struck the victim.
Long Beach police officers were first to arrive on scene arrived and administered CPR on Norman until paramedics from the Long Beach Fire Department arrived and took over. Sadly, Norman did not survive and died on scene.
Driver Arrested After Leaving Crash Scene
The driver suspected of striking Norman was identified as Ethan Chung. Police located Chung and a 2021 BMW approximately five blocks from the crash, near Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
According to investigators, the BMW stopped after the collision but then left the area without the driver providing assistance to the injured pedestrian.
Chung was taken into custody and booked at the Long Beach City Jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter. His bail was set at $50,000. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records indicate he was released later that day after posting bond.
Police said the preliminary investigation indicates Norman was legally crossing the roadway in the marked crosswalk when the BMW struck him.
Investigation Continues
Authorities said investigators have not identified speed, distracted driving or impaired driving as apparent factors in the collision at this stage of the investigation.
The case remains under investigation, and authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has additional information to contact the Long Beach Police Department’s Collision Investigation Detail at 562-570-7355.
Anonymous information can also be provided to LA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The fatal collision highlights the dangers faced by pedestrians and wheelchair users navigating busy Southern California roadways, particularly at nighttime. Drivers are required to remain alert for pedestrians in marked crosswalks and must stop and provide assistance when involved in a collision.
Got Legal Questions? Get Answers: 1-800-208-3538
When it matters most, trust Attorney James Johnson at Johnson Attorneys Group. We are a personal injury law firm serving clients who have been injured throughout California due to negligent motorists. If you were hurt in this collision, call 1-(800) 208-3538. We will request the police report, and the attorney will discuss your options. You are under no obligation to hire us, and there is no cost unless we win your case. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
