An off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detective was struck by a vehicle and killed in Valley Village, near North Hollywood, Sunday after helping a woman cross the street, authorities said.
West Hollywood Station Detective Amber Leist, 41, was struck around 11 a.m. at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Whitsett Avenue in Valley Village, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
She leaves behind two sons, including one who is on active duty in the navy, LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said at a news conference held Sunday evening.
The female detective saw an elderly woman fall in the cross walk and got out of her car to help the woman cross the street before heading back to her car, when she was struck and killed, the sheriff said.
The driver remained at the scene, so this was not a hit-and-run, and the incident was initially referred to as an “accident” by the sheriff.
An investigation was ongoing.
The victim was in the roadway, the Los Angeles Police Department said. The driver who struck the off-duty detective pulled over and rendered aid, according to police.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead, the LASD said.
A procession to honor Leist was expected to accompany her body from the hospital to the coroner’s office.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
Be First to Comment