Off-duty detective killed while helping elderly woman cross the street

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detective was struck and killed on Sunday morning, Jan. 12, 2020, in the Valley Village area after helping an elderly woman cross the street, authorities said.

Amber Leist, a 12-year-veteran of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, was at the red light waiting to make a left turn when she saw an elderly woman fall in the middle of the road.

So, Leist put her car in park and got out to help the woman get back on her feet. But she was fatally struck by an oncoming car while returning to her car. The accident occurred around 11 a.m., NBC Los Angeles reported.

Leist, 41, was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The driver of the car that hit Leist stopped tried to help Leist. She was taken to a hospital but died from her injuries.

The driver who struck Leist remained at the scene and cooperated with officials, who are treating the case as an accident, according to KTLA.

Today, @LASDHQ is grieving. We are shocked/stunned by the sudden loss of a family member. Amber Leist, a @WHDLASD detective, and 12 year veteran of LASD, was fatally struck by a vehicle in @LACity while assisting others. She was an outstanding detective who lead by example. pic.twitter.com/PcNIlAfTz8

— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff) 13 January 2020

Leist, who was a detective in West Hollywood, was mourned by her colleagues, who said on social media she was an “outstanding detective who led by example.”

Leist left behind two sons, a 17-year-old and a 20-year-old who is on active duty with the United States Navy, according to authorities.

Law enforcement officers escorted Leist’s body on Sunday evening in a procession from Cedars-Sinai Hospital to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.

We line up with a heavy heart to ensure the safe passage of our fallen sister, @WHDLASD Deputy Amber Leist. pic.twitter.com/F1kFWkrXPD

— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) 13 January 2020