LAPD remembers police sergeant killed on 405 Freeway after he stopped to help a driver

LOS ANGELES (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - A police sergeant was hit and killed on an L.A. freeway early Monday morning while stopping to help another driver.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) says a Toyota pickup crashed on the 405 Freeway and another car crashed into the center divider while swerving to avoid the truck.

Sgt. Shiou Deng and one driver were outside their vehicles when they were hit from behind by a third vehicle.

Officers lined the procession carrying Sgt. Deng's body to the medical examiner's office.

Chief Jim McDonnell says Deng was deeply respected leader within the LAPD.

"When I think about him, he, he died a hero. 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," said Chief McDonnell.

Deng was a 27-year veteran of the LAPD.