The Gazebo Gazette
LONG BEACH (GG) — On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Long Beach Police Department arrested Eric C. Smith from Gulfport and charged him with one count of Leaving the Scene of an Accident-Causing Fatality.
The arrest was the result of the investigation into the hit and run incident that occurred on 1st Street Sunday morning where Smith allegedly struck Jimmy Alexander Mero with his vehicle and left the scene without contacting help. Mero was later transported to Gulfport Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries.
Smith was transported to the Harrison County Adult Detention Center in Gulfport and was incarcerated on a $250,000.00 bond set by Justice Court Judge Theressia Lyons pending further court action.
