Long Beach Police Department

Recovered Knife

The Long Beach Police Department has arrested a suspect for the attempted murder of a police officer, following an April 17, 2026 incident in the 200 block of West Broadway.

At approximately 2:42 p.m., officers responded to an unknown trouble call in the 200 block of West Broadway. While en route, officers learned that one subject was possibly armed with an unknown weapon. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect matching the description provided by the calling party and attempted to de-escalate the situation to get the suspect to surrender. A use of force occurred, during which time, the suspect produced a knife and stabbed an LBPD officer multiple times.

Four uniformed Department of Homeland Security federal air marshals were working on a security assignment nearby. They witnessed the assault, rushed to the aid of the Long Beach police officers, and assisted them in taking the knife-wielding suspect into custody.

The officer was transported to the hospital and has since been released.

The suspect was arrested at the scene.

“The violent actions of this individual serve as a stark reminder of not just the dangers faced by our police officers, but also their continued dedication to protecting our community each day,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “This officer put himself in harm’s way in the defense of others and sustained serious injuries in doing so. I am very grateful that he is going to recover. I would also like to commend the additional LBPD officers who were on scene and the federal air marshals who helped take this dangerous suspect into custody without further incident.”

The suspect was identified as 44-year-old Arturo Fernandez, resident of Torrance. After being medically cleared at the hospital, he was booked at Long Beach City Jail for attempted murder. Bail was set at $1,000,000.

The knife was recovered at the scene.

Homicide detectives responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation indicates several subjects were involved in a fight prior to officers' arrival. One of the subjects (arrestee Arturo Fernandez) was armed with a knife.

The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office next week.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Juan Carlos Reyes and Lisette Temblador at (562) 570-7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.