Whittier man arrested, accused of vehicular manslaughter in 2023 crash in Long Beach

LONG BEACH  — A 31-year-old man suspected of traveling at a high rate of speed in a fatal traffic collision three years ago has been taken into custody, police announced Thursday.

Ivan Olarte-Torres was arrested Tuesday at his home in Whittier and booked at the Long Beach City Jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, with bail set at $50,000, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Detectives made the arrest in connection with a crash that killed Roberto Rodriguez on Jan. 29, 2023.

Officers responded about 4:05 a.m. that day to the area of Magnolia Avenue and Hill Street following reports of a traffic collision with injuries, police said.

Investigators determined that a 1996 Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on Magnolia Avenue, south of Hill Street, when it was struck by a 2021 Hyundai Sonata traveling northbound at a high rate of speed in the southbound lanes. The impact caused the Camry to collide with several parked vehicles, police said.

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Olarte-Torres sustained critical injuries and was transported to a hospital.

Detectives determined alcohol or drugs were not factors in the collision, police said.

Anyone with information regarding the collision was urged to contact LBPD Collision Investigation Detective Kelsey Myers at 562-570-7355. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org