A tragic accident on the 405 Freeway has claimed the lives of a Los Angeles Police Department sergeant and another man. The incident occurred early Monday morning near Wilshire Boulevard, during a multi-vehicle collision.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner identified the second victim as 34-year-old Jesus Garcia. Both Garcia and LAPD Sgt. Shiou Deng, who was 53, were struck by oncoming traffic after a solo car accident involving Garcia. The California Highway Patrol reported that the initial crash happened shortly before 2 a.m. on the southbound lanes of the freeway, just north of Moraga Drive in the Brentwood and Bel Air area.
Sgt. Deng was on duty and had stopped his police cruiser with emergency lights flashing to assist Garcia. As he exited his vehicle, a passing car collided with both him and the cruiser. Tragically, both men were killed in the crash, with Deng later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The driver of the vehicle that hit them, identified as Mario Bickham, was also taken to a hospital, though his condition remains unclear. The California Highway Patrol closed the freeway for several hours to conduct an investigation into the accident.
In a news conference following the incident, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell hailed Sgt. Deng as a hero, emphasizing his dedication to public safety and his commitment to helping others. Deng had been with the LAPD for many years, primarily serving in the Mental Evaluation Unit, which focuses on crisis intervention.
The loss of Jesus Garcia has deeply affected his family and friends. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, with a friend describing him as a loving son, brother, and uncle whose kindness touched everyone he met.
This tragic event highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement and the unpredictable nature of traffic incidents. The community mourns the loss of two lives taken too soon, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.