LONG BEACH — A distraught man yelling “This is my beach” drove erratically in a parking lot and then plowed his car into the ocean Friday, authorities said.

The man, whose name was not released because he is being held for psychological observation, wasn’t hurt, authorities said.

Long Beach lifeguards and police were called to Cherry Beach, near Junipero Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, about 3:30 p.m., said Fire Capt. Rich Brandt.

The white Nissan Maxima made it about 4 feet into the water before the driver and a passenger bailed out of the car, Brandt said.

“The beach was crowded. Fortunately, no one was hurt,” Brandt said.

As one man fled into the bluffs, the driver tried to swim deeper into the water. Lifeguards were able to pluck him from the surf and hold him until police arrived, Brandt said.

Crews were awaiting a backhoe and a tow truck to fish the car from the water, he said about 4:30 p.m.

Witnesses said the man was screaming as he drove around the area, declaring “This is my beach” and shouting out his Social Security number.

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