By Grace Toohey
Los Angeles Times
LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles police sergeant who stopped to help motorists on the 405 Freeway was killed in a multi-vehicle crash early Monday, shutting down southbound traffic through the Sepulveda Pass for 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 an initial crash.
One person was 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 transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, McDonnell said.
“He died a hero,” McDonnell said at a Monday morning press 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 the crisis calls.
“He was out there everyday caring for the most vulnerable in our society,” McDonnell said. “Just a great human being.”
“This is a sad day for our city,” Mayor Karen Bass said at a news conference early Monday. “The sergeant was an example of somebody who lost his life attempting to save others.”
All southbound lanes of the 405 at Moraga Drive were shut down not long after 2 a.m. and remained closed as of 8 a.m. while the investigation into the crash continued.
Zizi said all southbound traffic was being diverted to the 101 Freeway until lanes could reopen.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .
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