Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were killed in a fatal traffic crash on the 101 highway early Tuesday morning in North Hollywood, the agency said.
Sheriff Marcos Pena Jr., 31, was declared dead at the scene of the crash, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Investigators on the California Highway Patrol believe they are standing outside the car on the highway when both are attacked and killed.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic and premature loss of Pena Jr., who was taken away from us too quickly,” Sheriff Robert G. Luna said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those who had the honor of serving with him.”
According to the CHP, CHP and Los Angeles Fire Department officials arrived at the crash scene at 2:25am on the Northbound 101 Freeway, north of Tujunga Avenue.
According to CHP investigators, Pena Jr. and his unnamed female companion were driving in a black KIA compact SUV when they stopped in the traffic lane for unknown reasons.
Sheriff Marcos Pena Jr.
(La Co. Sheriff)
CHP investigators said both individuals have left the vehicle.
The vehicle was attacked by an approaching White international box truck.
Pena Jr. and his female companions were outside the vehicle that was hit during the crash.
CHP investigators are trying to determine whether the white truck collided with both individuals or whether the truck collision with the SUV pushed the vehicle into the couple, said Officer Lewis Quintero, a CHP spokesman.
“We know they didn’t return to the car because there were no signs of emissions,” Quintero said. “We’re still investigating.”
According to the CHP, Pena and the woman were declared dead by a Los Angeles firefighter at the scene.
As officers investigated, traffic in the area was affected for hours.
Pena joined the Sheriff’s Bureau in July 2022 and was assigned to the Men’s Central Prison.
He is assigned to his four step-in-law service, along with his mother, Michelle Rubio and his step-father, Albert Rubio, to his four step-in-law duties.
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