A Good Man Down; Hero Police officer killed early today in crash on 405 Freeway

Officer Chad Swans on 35 years old, a HERO of 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, just killed in crash on 405 Freeway

Deadly 405 Freeway crash in Carson under investigation

CARSON, Calif. – A Manhattan Beach Police Department motorcycle officer was killed Wednesday in a crash on the 405 Freeway in Carson.

The crash was reported about 5:15 a.m. at Del Amo Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A preliminary investigation revealed a speeding vehicle made an unsafe lane change and collided with another vehicle. That second vehicle then collided into the motorcycle officer, identified as 35-year-old Officer Chad Swanson, who was ejected from his motor, authorities said.

Swanson, a motor officer with the Manhattan Beach Police Department for the last 13 years, was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

During a press conference, Lieutenant Kelly Benjamin said Swanson “loved riding his motor, but most importantly Chad loved his wife and three boys.”

“He had an infectious smile and was positive. He was a joy to work with, she added.

She noted that Swanson was in the crowd at the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas when a gunman opened fire on the crowd from a nearby hotel. Benjamin said Swanson helped get people and shooting victims out of the area.

“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,” Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery said in a statement.

“His fearless contributions to our community and beyond were marked by bravery, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to duty,” Montgomery said.

Swanson is survived by his wife, three boys, mother, and father.

One other person involved in the crash was hospitalized with minor injuries.

At this time all traffic is being diverted off at Avalon. Authorities said the freeway will be closed until at least noon as the investigation continues. source

Police officer killed in crash on 405 Freeway

A Manhattan Beach Police Department motorcycle officer was killed today in a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound 405 Freeway in the Carson area.

The crash was reported at about 5:15 a.m. at Del Amo Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Information was not immediately available on the identity of the officer, who died at a hospital, the CHP reported.

All northbound lanes were closed in the area while an investigation was conducted into the circumstances of the crash, and traffic was backed up for miles.

According to the CHP’s preliminary investigation:

• The crash that fatally injured the officer, who was believed to have been on duty, involved three other vehicles.

• One of those vehicles, which may have been speeding, made a lane change, hitting another vehicle that went out of control.

• The officer was knocked off the motorcycle by one of the vehicles.

• Another person was transported from the scene for treatment of minor injuries.

The other motorists remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, the CHP reported. source