Holly MatkinGlendora, CA – Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Officer Baldemar “Jerry” Sandoval died on April 15 after he was involved in an early-morning crash while driving home from work.
The incident occurred on the eastbound side of the 210 Freeway shortly after 2:30 a.m., LA Weekly reported.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the driver of a 2019 Freightliner was stopped in the number 3 lane due to a crash investigation that was taking place up ahead of him.
When the lane reopened, the semi-truck stalled and became disabled, blocking the lane.
Officer Sandoval, 38, was driving home in his 2018 Honda when he crashed into the back of the disabled big rig, LA Weekly reported.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to KABC.
It is unclear why the off-duty officer failed to stop prior to the collision.
The CHP confirmed the 51-year-old truck driver had his hazard lights activated at the time of the crash, the Los Angeles Times reported.
He suffered minor injuries in the collision, according to LA Weekly.
The incident remains under investigation.
LAPD Chief Michel Moore confirmed Officer Sandoval’s death later that day.
“With great sadness, I share that earlier this morning, a police officer on his way home from work was involved in a traffic collision on the 210 Freeway,” Chief Moore said in a statement according to the Los Angeles Times. “I send my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones and friends as we mourn this tragedy.”
Officer Sandoval was assigned to the LAPD’s Central Division at the time of his death.
Dozens of his colleagues escorted his flag-covered body to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office on April 15, CBS News reported.
Officer Sandoval leaves behind his wife and his four-year-old twin sons, the Los Angeles Police Protective League said in a post on its website.
A fundraising campaign established to help his young family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $33,000 so far.
Officer Sandoval will be laid to rest on May 4.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Officer Sandoval, his Central Area family and the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department during this difficult time.
May God welcome Baldemar home.
MICHEL R. MOORE
Chief of Police pic.twitter.com/zNHioSxKli— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) April 15, 2023
Support the Family of Officer “Jerry” Baldemar Sandoval who tragically died in a car accident on his way home from work https://t.co/xQU1aZ4IBo
— Brent McGuyre (@B_McGuyre) April 18, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Los Angeles Police Department Officer Baldemar “Jerry” Sandoval, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
