LAPD Sergeant Killed While Helping Stranded Driver on 405 Freeway
City Mourns a “Hero”
LOS ANGELES 23 June 2025 – In the quiet, pre-dawn hours of Monday, a routine act of kindness on one of America’s busiest freeways turned into a devastating tragedy, claiming the life of a beloved Los Angeles police sergeant and the stranded motorist he stopped to help. The city is now grappling with the loss of Sergeant Shiou Deng, a 26-year LAPD veteran known for his deep compassion, particularly towards those in mental crisis.
The Fatal Sequence
Shortly before 2:00 a.m., a silver pickup truck crashed and became disabled in the southbound HOV lane of the 405 Freeway near Moraga Drive in the Brentwood area, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision blocked traffic immediately.
Sergeant Deng, driving nearby in his patrol vehicle, witnessed the aftermath. True to his character, he activated his car’s rear amber warning lights and pulled over to assist. Deng exited his vehicle to approach the 34 year old pickup driver, intent on ensuring their safety on the darkened, dangerous stretch of road.
Moments later, the unthinkable happened. A gray sedan traveling southbound struck both Sergeant Deng and the stranded civilian. The impact was catastrophic. The civilian driver died at the scene. Despite frantic efforts, Sergeant Deng succumbed to his injuries at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
The driver of the sedan sustained only minor injuries. CHP investigators confirmed they found no initial evidence of impairment, but the critical question of why the sedan failed to avoid the scene – illuminated by Deng’s warning lights remains central to their ongoing probe. Neither the stranded motorist nor the sedan driver has been publicly identified beyond Deng.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Compassion
Sergeant Deng wasn’t just an officer; he was a pillar within the LAPD’s specialized Mental Evaluation Unit (MEU), where he spent 17 of his 26 years on the force. Promoted to sergeant just two years ago in 2023, Deng was revered for his unique blend of empathy, humor, and unwavering dedication.
“He made every situation better, not just for the officers working alongside him, but especially for the vulnerable people he served,” recalled colleague Officer Lisa Torres, her voice thick with emotion. Mental health advocates quickly highlighted Deng’s crucial role in bridging gaps between law enforcement and Angelenos experiencing homelessness or mental health crises. “He understood connection was more powerful than command in those moments,” Torres added.
Deng’s sacrifice leaves a profound personal void. He is survived by his wife and elderly parents. Colleagues remember a man whose laughter could lighten the heaviest days and whose commitment to helping others was absolute.
A City in Mourning, Traffic in Chaos
The ripple effects of the tragedy were felt across Los Angeles throughout Monday. The southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway were shut down for over seven hours as CHP investigators meticulously reconstructed the scene. The massive closure forced the morning commute into chaos, diverting heavy traffic onto alternate routes like the 101 Freeway and snarling surface streets for miles.
As news of Deng’s death spread, tributes poured in. Mayor Karen Bass ordered flags at all city buildings lowered to half-staff. “Sergeant Deng embodied the best of the LAPD,” Mayor Bass stated. “His last act was putting the safety of others above his own. That is the definition of heroism.”
A solemn police procession later escorted Deng’s body from UCLA Medical Center to the medical examiner’s office, a silent testament to the respect he commanded within the department and the city.
Voices of Grief and Profound Respect
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell struggled to contain his grief while addressing reporters. “He died a hero,” Chief McDonnell stated firmly. “Sergeant Deng was funny, caring, and a true leader. He dedicated his life, especially his work in the MEU, to protecting our most vulnerable residents. This loss cuts incredibly deep.”
The human impact resonated beyond the badge. A civilian witness to the immediate aftermath, who asked not to be named, described the scene as shattering. “Seeing officers like Sergeant Deng risk everything just to help a stranger in trouble… it changes how you view policing,” the witness said quietly. “It makes you realize the danger they face every single day, even in moments that seem simple.”
Next Steps: Memorials and Safety Reviews
Details regarding memorial services for Sergeant Deng are pending, awaiting his family’s wishes. The services are expected to draw law enforcement personnel from across the region, a testament to Deng’s standing and the profound loss felt within the profession.
Concurrently, the LAPD has initiated an internal review of protocols for officers providing roadside assistance. This tragic incident underscores the extreme peril inherent in such stops, especially on high-speed freeways like the 405, where fatalities involving pedestrians – even emergency responders – are a rising concern.
The Enduring Lesson
As traffic finally began flowing again on the 405 late Monday morning, the weight of Sergeant Shiou Deng’s sacrifice hung heavy over the city. His death is a stark, painful reminder of the risks police officers accept as part of their duty to serve and protect. But more than that, it crystallizes the essence of his character a man who, until his final moment, chose compassion in the face of chaos. In the words echoing through the halls of the LAPD and across Los Angeles, Sergeant Deng’s parting lesson resonates: True heroism lies in choosing kindness amid chaos.