Shiou Deng dies in fatal Brentwood car crash
Fatal Brentwood car crash death of Shiou Deng
Shiou Deng, a seasoned Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, lost his life early Monday morning on the 405 Freeway in Brentwood after stopping to assist a distressed motorist, only to be fatally struck by another vehicle.
The incident occurred shortly before 2 a.m. when Deng, a 27‑year veteran recently promoted to sergeant, pulled over to aid a driver whose pickup had stalled in the HOV lane just north of Moraga Drive. He parked his patrol SUV with emergency lights flashing and exited to help.
Tragically, a passing sedan failed to yield and slammed into both Deng and the truck’s driver, a civilian man in his 30s, killing them instantly. The pickup driver was declared dead at the scene by LAFD crews. Meanwhile, Deng was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Los Angeles’s Chief of Police, Jim McDonnell, described Sergent Deng’s final actions as the ultimate act of heroism, saying he “died a hero” as he assisted others in need. Deng had served in the department’s Mental Evaluation Unit for 17 years before his promotion two years ago to the West LA Division.
Mayor Karen Bass ordered flags at municipal buildings lowered to half-staff to honor Deng’s dedication and sacrifice, noting that he spent more than a quarter-century protecting the city. Similarly, Governor Gavin Newsom directed the state Capitol to do the same in tribute to his service.
The collision triggered a SigAlert that shut down southbound lanes of the 405 Freeway during the morning commute, with authorities rerouting traffic onto the 101 Freeway. Northbound lanes were also briefly closed while investigators processed the scene. All lanes were reopened by early afternoon.
