By Joanna Putman
Police1
CARSON, Calif. — A motorcycle officer was killed in a crash on a California freeway Wednesday morning.
Manhattan Beach Police Department Officer Chad Swanson was driving to work on his motorcycle when he was involved in a four-vehicle crash, KABC reported. Paramedics performed CPR before an ambulance transported Swanson to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
One other person involved in the crash was treated at the hospital for minor injuries. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, which was reported just after 5 a.m.
“At this time, it looks like a vehicle may have been traveling at an unsafe speed and possibly conducted an unsafe lane change,” CHP Lt. Steve Carapia said at a news conference.
Swanson had worked for the Manhattan Beach Police Department for over 13 years and was involved in multiple rescues at the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, officials said. He is survived by his wife and three young sons.
“He had an infectious smile and he was always positive. He was simply a joy to work with,” Lt. Kelly Benjamin said during a press conference Wednesday.
