LASD Sergeant Dies Responding to Pursuit

COMPTON, CA — A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department sergeant was killed in a crash in Compton Monday morning as he was responding to a pursuit, LASD Sheriff Jim McDonnell said at a press conference.

The pursuit took place shortly after 5 a.m. Monday but was cancelled shortly thereafter due to dangerous road conditions caused by the weather. The pursuit had been cancelled just prior to Sergeant Al Lopez leaving the Compton station.

Lopez was then involved in a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Myrrh Street and Williowbrook Avenue, where he crashed into a fence, McDonnell said.

Compton Station personnel responded to the Sergeant’s location when they noticed he was unconscious and non-responsive, the LASD said in a news release. Deputies began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) prior to Compton Fire Department’s arrival.When Compton Fire Department arrived the sergeant was still unconscious and non-responsive

The Sergeant was transported to a local hospital where he had passed away.

Further details on the cause of the crash were not immediately available. Lopez was a veteran of the force with over 25 years of service.

A brief memorial prayer will be held at 6 p.m. in front of Compton Station. There will be prayer offered by Pastor Fisher of Greater Zion church.

Earlier this month, an LA sheriff's deputy was shot and killed in Lancaster. Just a few days later, two Palm Springs police officers were killed in a shooting as they responded to a domestic call about a troubled man.

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