Off-Duty LAPD Officer Killed When Cement Truck Overturns In Beverly Hills
BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — An off-duty LAPD officer was killed Friday when a cement truck ran over a pick-up truck and overturned in Beverly Hills.
The accident took place on Loma Vista Drive near Doheny, according to KCAL9's Stu Mundel, who said the vehicle was "completely pulverized."
The collision occurred just before 2 p.m., said authorities.
At least one other person -- believed to be the cement truck driver -- was injured in the crash, according to Mundel. The injured cement truck driver was taken to a nearby hospital condition. The driver is listed in critical condition, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a statement Friday evening.
"The city is still reeling from the recent death of three on-duty LAPD officers, and my heart aches at the death today of yet another of our officers. Amy's and my thoughts are with his family and everyone in the Los Angeles Police Department. This is a difficult time for our men and women in blue, and the whole city joins them in mourning the loss of these heroes."
The cement truck is reportedly licensed to s Sun Valley company -- Over & Over Ready Mix Concrete.
This is the second cement truck to overturn within a week on Loma Vista Drive, where an LAPD officer was also killed in March.
The driver of the other cement truck was injured May 2 in the 1100 block of Loma Vista Drive.
LAPD Officer Nicholas Lee, 40, was killed less than a block away from that crash on March 7 after the driver of a dump truck lost control and struck his police cruiser. Investigators believe the truck's brakes may have failed, but the incident remains under investigation.
Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse said, "We are devastated by the accident and mourn with the family of the detective who died."
The City of Beverly Hills announced on Friday evening that they have suspended all heavy haul deliveries to from construction sites in the Trousdale area for 30 days or until measures are in place to ensure that the deliveries can be made safely.
KCAL9's Juan Fernandez said a police dog was scouring the crash area in search of the officer's revolver, if, in fact, he was carrying one.
Chief Charlie Beck told reporters that he was in complete shock when he heard about the crash and further disbelief when he heard about the location.
"I was stunned into disbelief when I got the phone call and the location," said Beck. "I asked. I called back. I drove out here myself and I still didn't believe it. It's just too horrific for words."
The loss Friday hit Beck particularly hard as he was also personally acquainted with the officer who died.
"I've known him for decades," the chief said, "he's a fine family man and he will be sorely missed by his friends and by members of the Los Angeles Police Department."
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