‘Hero’ LAPD sergeant fatally struck by vehicle while responding to crash

Sgt. Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, was fatally struck by a vehicle early Monday while responding to a crash on the 405 Freeway in Brentwood, authorities confirmed.

Around 1:58 a.m. on June 23, Sgt. Deng stopped on the southbound side of the 405 near Getty Center Drive after witnessing a two-vehicle collision involving a Toyota Tacoma and a sedan.

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Deng activated his patrol SUV’s rear amber lights “in an effort to be able to slow traffic behind him and provide some level of safety for the people who were involved in that collision.”

As Deng approached the scene on foot, a third vehicle traveling southbound struck him. He was rushed to UCLA Medical Center, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Tacoma involved in the original crash also died and a passenger in that vehicle was critically injured. The driver who hit Deng remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

No charges have been announced, as the California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident.

Deng had served 17 years in LAPD’s mental evaluation unit before transferring to patrol in West Los Angeles, where he was promoted to sergeant. Colleagues described him as sharp, compassionate, and deeply committed to public service. “He died a hero,” said McDonnell at a press conference. “He was out there caring for others, putting their safety before his own. And he is somebody that we will all look to as an inspiration as we carry on the mission.”

Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom ordered flags flown at half-staff across city and state buildings in his memory. At a press conference, Bass said, “This is a sad day for our city,” and lauded Deng’s selflessness. Deng’s body was escorted from UCLA by a marching procession of officers and memorials have been set up outside the West LA division where he served.