405 Freeway crash: LAPD sergeant among 2 dead in Brentwood multi-vehicle collision
LAPD mourns sergeant killed in crash
A veteran LA police sergeant was killed while helping a crash victim on the southbound 405 Freeway in Brentwood. In total, two people died in the crash.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department is in mourning after a sergeant was struck and killed after stopping to help a crash victim on the 405 Freeway near the Getty Center early Monday morning.
One civilian was killed in the initial crash and a third person was injured.
LAPD sergeant dies while helping others
What we know:
Investigators with the California Highway Patrol said a pickup truck crashed and became disabled on the southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway near the Sunset Boulevard exit in Brentwood around 2:10 a.m. A short time later, the driver of a Ford Crown Victoria crashed into the disabled vehicle.
Sgt. Shiou Deng then stopped to help and asked for backup when a gray sedan crashed into Deng and the driver of a pickup truck, identified as a 34-year-old man.
When first responders arrived at the scene, the driver of the pickup truck was pronounced dead at the scene and Deng was rushed to UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Westwood.
(LAPD)
Deng was declared dead at the hospital by medical personnel.
Sgt. Deng was with the department for nearly 27 years and is survived by his wife. He also took care of his elderly parents.
The driver of the large Ford sedan was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and investigators said there was no evidence of impairment.
CHP is handling the investigation.
Traffic on the 405
During the investigation, traffic on the 405 Freeway came to a standstill for hours after the CHP issued a SigAlert at Getty Center Drive and the Skirball and Sepulveda Boulevard on-ramps just after 2:20 a.m.
Aerial images from SkyFOX showed traffic was backed up for miles as traffic on the southbound side.
The northbound lanes at the Moraga Drive on-ramp reopened around 4:20 a.m., while the southbound lanes reopened around 12:15 p.m. During the hours-long closure, all southbound lanes were diverted off the 101 Freeway.
Procession held
A procession was held across West Los Angeles on Monday in honor of Sgt. Shiou.
Procession for fallen LAPD sergeant
A procession was held for LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng who was killed after being struck by oncoming traffic on the 405 Freeway early Monday morning.
‘He died a hero’
What they're saying:
Sgt. Shiou Deng remembered by LAPD colleague
LAPD Detective Victor Lopez remembers his fallen friend, Sgt. Shiou Deng.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described Sgt. Deng as "an exceptional guy, a true leader and true hero."
He said Deng was part of the department’s mental evaluation unit and made sergeant two years ago and was recently assigned to the West LA Division.
"Funny, caring and someone who got out there every day and tried to make every situation as good as it could for his officers and the people we have the privilege to service in our society," McDonell said.
His colleague, LAPD Detective Victor Lopez, remembers him as a good person.
"Aside from his personality, amazing police officer. He’s everything that embodies Los Angeles police officer," Lopez said.
LA Mayor Bass said it was a "sad day for the city," and sent her condolences to Sgt. Deng's family and his colleagues.
"I think he’s an example of the men and women who serve in our department. All of us need to think about the sacrifices that they make today," Bass said.
She added that flags will be held at half-mast.
"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. We join his family, friends, and fellow officers in mourning, and in honoring his memory. May his service never be forgotten," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a released statement.
Flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will be flown at half-staff, Newsom said.
Chief McDonnell released the following statement on Monday morning:
"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.
Sergeant Deng served the City of Los Angeles with honor, courage, and compassion for more than 26 years. 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.
Our deepest condolences go out to Sergeant Deng’s loved ones—his family, friends, and colleagues—during this incredibly difficult time. We are doing everything in our power to support them, and we ask the public to hold them in your thoughts and prayers.
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.
Details regarding memorial services and opportunities for the public to pay their respects will be shared in the coming days. We are grateful for your continued support and respectfully ask for privacy for Sergeant Deng’s family as they navigate this painful loss."
What we don't know:
The names of the other crash victims have not been released.
The Source: Information for this story came from the Los Angeles Police Department.