LONG BEACH, CA — Gang detectives have arrested a suspect in a December 2024 shooting incident and in the process, seized 30 firearms, many of which were unserialized, police officials said Tuesday.
James William Higgins, a 74-year-old Long Beach resident, was arrested March 6 when detectives, with the assistance of patrol officers, took suspect Higgins into custody after detectives served a search warrant at his residence.
During the search warrant service, detectives say they recovered 30 firearms, 12 of which were unserialized, along with “a large quantity” of ammunition.
The shooting incident took place Dec. 18, 2024. Officers responded to the area of Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue after an individual called to report they believed a shooting had occurred outside their residence.
The preliminary investigation indicated a dispute had occurred between the drivers of two vehicles in the area. Once the dispute escalated, one driver fired multiple rounds at the other vehicle, police say.
During the incident, a nearby residential building was struck by gunfire, but no injuries to people were reported.
“Higgins was booked for discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling, assault with a firearm, manufacturing or assembling an unregistered firearm, and manufacturing or causing to be manufactured an assault weapon,” a police spokesperson said.
His bail was set at $250,000. The case is being presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration, police say.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact LBPD Gang Detail Detective Hector Lizardo at (562) 570-7370. Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), through the “P3 Tips” app via smartphone, or via www.lacrimestoppers.org.