LAPD sergeant killed in 405 Freeway crash while helping motorists
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A Los Angeles police sergeant who stopped to help motorists on the 405 Freeway was killed in a multi-vehicle crash early Monday that shut down southbound traffic through the Sepulveda Pass for almost 10 hours, officials said.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell identified the sergeant as Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran of the department who he said was struck by oncoming traffic after attempting to aid in an initial crash.
One person was also killed in that initial crash but was not immediately identified, according to California Highway Patrol Assistant Chief Joe Zizi. Deng stopped at the initial two-car crash just after 2 a.m. Monday in what appeared to be an attempt to provide emergency assistance, Zizi said. But right after the sergeant stepped out of his vehicle, he was hit by oncoming traffic, Zizi said.
Deng was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, McDonnell said.
“He died a hero,” McDonnell said at a Monday morning news conference. “He was out there caring for others, putting their safety before his own.”
Deng had been promoted to sergeant about two years ago, McDonnell said. He spent the bulk of his career working in the agency’s Mental Evaluation Unit, which helps officers respond to crisis calls.
“He was out there every day caring for the most vulnerable in our society,” McDonnell said. “Just a great human being.”
Department officials said that he was married with a stepdaughter, and was a caretaker for his two elderly parents.
“This is a sad day for our city,” Mayor Karen Bass said at the Monday news conference. “The sergeant was an example of somebody who lost his life attempting to save others.”
She ordered flags at city buildings to be flown at half-staff for Deng. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the same at the State Capitol.
“Jennifer and I are heartbroken by the loss of Sergeant Deng, who dedicated more than 26 years to serving the Los Angeles community with pride and purpose,” he said in a statement. “We join his family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning, and in honoring his memory. May his service never be forgotten.”
Colleagues also offered tributes.
“Sgt. Deng and I started the police academy in March of 1999,” Detective Victor Lopez told KCAL. “He brought light to a lot of situations especially during the academy and throughout... He did the best he could, the entire time he was in the department ... He embodies all the core values that we stand for here.”
All southbound lanes of the 405 at Moraga Drive were shut down not long after 2 a.m. and remained closed for hours while the investigation into the crash continued.
Just before 12:30 p.m., the CHP reopened all southbound lanes.
Times staff writer Libor Jany contributed to this report.
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