Hero Down: LAPD Officer John Gasparyan Killed On Motorcycle

Officer John Gasparyan was riding his motorcycle near an intersection when he collided with a 2014 Honda Civic ahead of him making a U-turn in the opposite direction.

“Right now, it appears to be a tragic accident,” said Officer Mike Lopez, a spokesman for the LAPD, according to the Los Angeles Times. “However, investigators will be on scene trying to determine who was at fault.”

The driver remained at the scene after the crash and was cooperating with detectives, Lopez said.

Officer Gasparyan was in grave condition immediately after the accident and later died at the hospital.

Officer Gasparyan was a traffic collision investigator. According to police, he made close to 200 DUI arrests during his tenure with the traffic division. He had wanted to become a motorcycle officer.

“He’s going to sorely be missed here at work especially,” Detective Bill Bustos of LAPD’s Valley Traffic Division told the LA Daily News.

“It will be a continuous reminder when we’re getting ready for work — he’s not going to be there. When we’re getting ready for roll call, he’s not going to be there. It will be a great void in our traffic division.”

“Tonight will be tough,” said LAPD Chief Charlie Beck on Twitter. “We tragically lost a @LAPDVTD Officer to a traffic collision. Keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Officer Gasparyan, 34, leaves behind a wife and a 6-year-old daughter.

On his Facebook page, Gasparyan posted in 2012 a photo of a plaque that hangs over the rear entrance to the city’s police academy. It read: “THROUGH THESE DOORS PASS THE WORLD’s FINEST POLICE OFFICERS.”

“Couldn’t be worded any better,” Gasparyan commented above his picture.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles Police Department Officer John Gasparyan, both blood and blue.  Godspeed, sir, we will take the watch from here.  Thank you for your service.