LA Sheriff's Deputy Killed In Off-Duty Crash: Authorities

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CA — A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was killed in an off-duty crash over the weekend, according to the sheriff’s department.

Deputy Martin Maciel died Friday after a collision in Long Beach, authorities said.

“Throughout his years of service, Deputy Maciel was a valued member of the department, and his dedication will be remembered by those who had the privilege of serving alongside him,” the department said in a social media post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”

Long Beach police previously reported a crash that occurred around 11 p.m. Friday at East Second Street and Pacific Coast Highway, in which a southbound motorcyclist and an eastbound vehicle collided and the motorcyclist died at the scene. The driver cooperated with authorities and speed was being investigated as a contributing factor, police said.

Maciel joined the sheriff's department in 2016 and started his career at Twin Towers Correctional Facility, according to the agency. He later transferred to a patrol assignment at the Transit Services Bureau. In 2019, he transferred again, this time to Norwalk Station, where he later became a motorcycle deputy.

"Martin dedicated years of his life to protecting our communities," Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn of the Fourth District said in a statement.

"I remember in 2018 when he helped thwart a potential school shooting in South Whittier. Just days after the Parkland shooting, he responded to a threat and found a stash of guns and ammunition in a teenager’s home. His work that day and on so many other occasions saved lives and made our communities safer."

In addition to working as a sheriff’s deputy, Maciel was a U.S. Army reservist, according to the department.