A Manhattan Beach officer was killed in a crash on the 405 Freeway in Carson Wednesday morning. All northbound lanes were shutdown as a result.
The crash occurred around 5:15 a.m. at Del Amo Avenue, according to California Highway Patrol.
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California Highway Patrol told L.A.’s Morning News’ Jennifer York that the officer died at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
During a press conference, Manhattan Beach police Lt. Kelly Benjamin identified the officer killed as Chad Swanson and said he was on his way to work at the time of the crash.
Swanson survived the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017. He told KABC he helped to carry some of the victims to safety.
"I was just focusing on helping everybody else that I could, taking out as many people as could, just trying to make sure that nobody was there left alone," he said.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
“The entire Manhattan Beach community is mourning the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “His fearless contributions to our community and beyond were marked by bravery, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to duty.”
"Our beloved officer exemplified courage, and his impact reached far beyond the precinct, touching the lives of those who had the privilege of working alongside him,” said Chief Rachel Johnson said in a press release. “His absence leaves an indelible void with our tight-knit law enforcement family and the community he served.”
A preliminary investigation by CHP found that officer was believed to be on duty at the time of the crash and that the collision involved three other cars. CHP said one of the cars involved may have been speeding and was making a lane change when it his another car. It was also revealed another person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Highway Patrol said the other motorists involved in crash stayed at the scene and are cooperating with the investigation.
All northbound lanes are closed as law enforcement investigates the collision.
Donations can be made to Swanson's family here.
City News Service contributed to this report.
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