A Los Angeles Police Department sergeant died after he was struck by a vehicle on the 405 Freeway near Brentwood, California early Monday, June 23, authorities said.
Sergeant Shiou Deng was killed in the crash, which took place at around 2 a.m. local time on the southbound side of the freeway, according to LAPD and California Highway Patrol officials.
He had stopped at the scene of a prior collision when he was struck by another passing vehicle, CHP logs show. Deng had just arrived and exited his patrol vehicle to help when he was hit and fatally injured.
CHP Assistant Chief Joe Zizi said a person was killed in the initial crash that Deng was responding to, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Further details of the collision were not available.
Who was Shiou Deng?
Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. Shiou Deng died following an on-duty crash that took place about 2 a.m. Monday, June 23, on the 405 Freeway near Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.
LAPD Sergeant Deng served the city of Los Angeles for more than 26 years with “honor, courage, and compassion,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said “with profound sadness” in a written statement.
“He was a deeply respected leader within our department and a trusted protector of our communities. His loss is immeasurable, and the grief we feel is shared not only by the men and women of the LAPD, but by the entire law enforcement family and the residents he served so faithfully,” McDonnell wrote.
The chief expressed condolences to Deng's family and friends and colleagues.
“We are doing everything in our power to support them, and we ask the public to hold them in your thoughts and prayers,” McDonnell said. “As we mourn, we also honor Sergeant Deng’s extraordinary legacy — a legacy defined by integrity, bravery, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him, served with him, and were protected by him.”
Mayor says Deng's ‘last act was one of service'
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said it was “a sad day for our city” and ordered city flags to be lowered to half-staff in his honor.
“The men and women of LAPD put their lives on the line for Angelenos each and every day,” she said via social media. “This morning, I met with officers at the hospital who described him as caring and selfless. His last act was one of service — putting the safety and wellbeing of others above all else.”
Information regarding a memorial service was expected to be announced in the coming days.
Collision prompts temporary 405 Highway closure
Following the collision, CHP officials closed all southbound lanes near Moraga Drive shortly before 2:30 a.m. until further notice.
However, officers have now cleared the roadway and reopened all lanes, CHP confirmed on X at 12:18 p.m.
“Thank you to all drivers for staying safe on the road,” CHP wrote on X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA police sergeant Shiou Deng killed in 405 highway crash
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