Driver accused in two Long Beach crashes that killed three, police report

A 24-year-old woman named Ahkeyajahnique Owens surrendered to Long Beach police this week in connection to two separate deadly accidents that occurred months apart. Back in October, Owens allegedly hit a cyclist, Raul Augustin Gallopa, with her car in downtown Long Beach, resulting in his unfortunate passing. Owens was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, to which she pleaded not guilty. A family member declined to provide a statement to the news. Owens was initially arrested for reckless driving in October but was released later. Recently, Owens became a suspect in another hit-and-run incident that claimed two lives and injured three others. Evidence from forensics and videos helped identify Owens as the suspect. Police have not disclosed when the arrest warrant was issued for Owens. The latest incident occurred at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Sixth Street, where Owens allegedly ran a red light and collided with multiple vehicles, resulting in the deaths of Gilberto Lopez and Bobbi Smith. Three other individuals were injured in the crash. Investigators are looking into speed as a potential factor in both incidents involving Owens. The Long Beach Police Department plans to present a case related to the most recent collision to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office soon. Families of the deceased victims have started GoFundMe pages to raise funds for funeral costs. Alejandra Lopez and Monique Jackson, family members of Gilberto Lopez and Bobbi Smith respectively, shared heartfelt messages about the impact and loss of their loved ones on the fundraising platform.