Holly MatkinWashington, DC – DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Sergeant Jin Park died in a motorcycle crash while traveling home from work on April 21, according to his department.
The 32-year-old off-duty sergeant was riding his motorcycle in the 6800-block of Piney Branch Road when he collided with another vehicle at approximately 5:45 a.m., WTTG reported.
The MPD said in a press release that Sgt. Park had just wrapped up his shift and was on his way home when the wreck occurred.
The 11-year department veteran succumbed to his injuries at the scene, WTTG reported.
No further details about the fatal collision were immediately released.
The MPD’s Major Crash Unit is handling the ongoing investigation, WTTG reported.
MPD Chief Robert Contee confirmed Sgt. Park’s death in a press release later that day.
“It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of an admired and beloved MPD Sergeant,” Chief Contee wrote. “Our heartfelt sympathies are with the Park family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. Let us honor his memory and find strength in the knowledge that his actions with our department had a positive impact on all those around him.”
Sgt. Contee was assigned to the MPD’s Fourth District at the time of his death.
MPD Officer Bryan Velasquez told The Police Tribune that he used to talk motorcycles at work with Sgt. Park.
“He was a nice guy. A straight-forward sergeant,” Officer Velasquez said. “The kind you want supervising you and the kind of person you could just talk to.”
He said everyone who knew Sgt. Park had nice things to say about the sergeant.
“I had the honor of working with Park as a Sergeant on the midnight shift for several years,” another friend wrote on the fallen sergeant’s memorial page. “I always told him that when I grew up, I wanted to be just like him. He lived his life authentically and unapologetically. His quiet and reserved demeanor belied a deep concern and regard for his coworkers. His absence will be felt acutely every day.”
Sgt. Park leaves behind his mother and brother.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sgt. Jin Park, an 11-year veteran with MPD, who was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident while heading home after his shift this morning. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family & friends during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/Guc7R91Y2N
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) April 21, 2023
With heavy hearts, we regret to announce that Fourth District Sergeant Jin Park was involved in a serious vehicle accident after finishing his shift this morning. Unfortunately, Sgt. Park suffered fatal injuries and has passed. Please keep the Sgt and his family in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/SqYytYLTUh
— DC Police Union (@DCPoliceUnion) April 21, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of DC Metropolitan Police Department Sergeant Jin Park, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
