A tragedy unfolded early Wednesday morning when an off-duty Manhattan Beach police officer was fatally injured in a traffic collision near Del Amo Boulevard on the San Diego Freeway. The incident occurred around 5:15 a.m., leading to the closure of all northbound lanes between Avalon Boulevard and the 110 Freeway as authorities responded to the crash.
The officer, identified as Chad Swanson, was immediately transported to a local hospital following the incident but succumbed to his injuries. Swanson, a dedicated member of the Manhattan Beach Police Department since 2010, joined the motor division in 2017. He was recognized for his service and bravery in the community.
In light of the officer’s passing, Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery expressed the city’s profound collective grief, remarking on Swanson’s career dedicated to the safety of residents. Police Chief Rachel Johnson added that his loss created an irreplaceable gap in both the law enforcement community and the city he served.
Further adding to the weight of the moment, it was revealed that Swanson had previously survived the mass shooting at the Harvest Country Music Festival in Las Vegas in 2017. The officer’s untimely death leaves behind a wife and three children.
Source: LAist