The Los Angeles Police Department is mourning the death of one of their own after a veteran officer was killed Monday morning while trying to assist crash victims on the 405 Freeway in Brentwood.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the heartbreaking news of the line-of-duty death of Sergeant Shiou Deng, who was tragically killed in a traffic collision on the 405 Freeway while on duty in the early morning hours of June 23,” a statement from LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell issued within hours of the crash read.
Deng, a 26-year veteran of the Police Department, spent 17 years on the mental evaluation unit. “He was out there every day caring for the most vulnerable in our society,” McDonnell said.
He was described as a deeply respected leader and a trusted protector of 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 said.
The 53-year-old sergeant came upon the crash scene around 2 a.m. and stopped his patrol vehicle, leaving the lights flashing to alert oncoming traffic, so he could help those involved in the incident.
“He exited from his police vehicle and as he approached the crash site, he was struck from the rear by oncoming traffic,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said during a morning news conference.
“He was transported to UCLA Medical Center, and despite their valiant efforts, he did not make it. He passed sometime this morning,” McDonnell said.
Firefighters stood at attention and saluted during a procession transporting Deng’s body from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center to the Hollenbeck area coroner’s office later in the morning.
An unidentified victim from another vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
A third person involved in the incident was also transported to a local hospital in unknown condition.
Details regarding memorial services and opportunities for the public to pay their respects are expected to be shared in the coming days.
Deng is survived by his wife and parents.
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