A beloved Los Angeles Police Department sergeant was killed in the line of duty after being struck by a car while responding to a late-night crash on a busy freeway.
Shiou Deng, a nearly 30-year veteran of the force, was investigating a previous accident in the center divider on the 405 Freeway around 2:18 a.m. Monday when a passing car slammed into him from behind, according to the department.
The married 53-year-old had just activated his emergency lights and stepped out of his patrol car when he was hit.
“He was transported to UCLA Medical Center, and despite their valiant efforts, he did not make it,” Police Chief Jim McDonnell said during a press conference, recorded by KTLA5.
“He died a hero. He was out there caring for others, putting their safety before his own. He is somebody we will all look to as an inspiration as we carry on the mission.”
Grisly videos of the fatal wreck showed Deng’s mangled police cruiser alongside a heavily damaged pickup truck on the southbound side of the freeway, which was shutdown following the incident.
The driver of the pickup truck the officer had stopped to help also died in the collision, with another person transferred to the hospital with injuries.
McDonnell remembered his fallen colleague as an “exception guy” and a “true leader” who served his community for more than 26 years with “honor, courage, and compassion.”
“He was somebody who cared deeply about his family, was there for anybody who needed help amongst his family and his friends and anyone who he had the privilege to lead at the LAPD,” the police chief said, noting that Deng served as a caretaker for his elderly parents.
“He’s somebody who was always engaged, always reaching out to see what he can do to be helpful, somebody who was funny, somebody who everyone enjoyed being around. Just a great human being.”
Deng, who was promoted to the rank of sergeant two years ago, spent 17 years as part of the emotional evaluation unit. He was recently assigned to the West LA division.
During a solemn procession, firefighters stood at attention and saluted as Deng’s body was transported from the hospital to the coroner’s office later that morning, KTLA reported.
“This is a sad day for our city,” said Mayor Karen Bass, who ordered city building flags to be lowered to half-staff.
“Sgt. Deng served L.A. for more than 25 years. 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.”
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