The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Officers in Long Beach, California used a floor jack to hoist a car off an 89-year-old man who was pinned beneath after police say was intentionally run down and killed by his own son.
William Porter, 89, of Long Beach, died Saturday following the incident and his 50-year-old son, Robert Porter, was arrested and charged with murder.
Officers with the Long Beach Police Department responded around 1:53 p.m. Saturday to the 600 block of West Wardlow Avenue in the city’s Wrigley Heights neighborhood following reports of a “family disturbance” involving an elderly man and his adult son, according to a news release.
When officers arrived, they found William Porter trapped underneath a vehicle. Nearby residents rushed to help and provided a floor jack, which officers used to lift the vehicle high enough to pull Porter from beneath it.
Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures, but Porter was pronounced dead at the scene.
open image in gallery
Paramedics attempted livesaving measures but William Porter was still pronounced dead at the scene (Google Maps)
“Officers attempted to rescue the elderly man with the assistance of nearby residents, who assisted by providing a floor jack, which officers used to raise the vehicle high enough to extricate the victim until Long Beach Fire Department personnel arrived,” police said.
“Once extricated, Long Beach Fire Department personnel rendered aid to the injured man. However, they determined the man deceased at the scene.”
Investigators say the driver of the vehicle intentionally struck the elderly man, according to the release. Robert Porter remained at the scene and was taken into custody.
Porter was booked into jail on a murder charge and his bail was set at $2 million, according to police.
A motive has not been released.
The Independent has reached out to police for more information.
Long Beach homicide detectives continue to investigate the case.