UPDATE: LBPD Chief McDonnell Issues This Statement; Off-Duty LBPD Officer Perishes In Single-Vehicle Accident, 710/Rosecrans Area
Officer Mejia, who was 55-years-old, was assigned to the Department’s Port Police Division where he worked for nine years. During his career, he worked Patrol, and as a Field Training Officer and Hostage Negotiator. Prior to being hired as a police officer, he was a Long Beach reserve officer for four years.
Officer Mejia was a dedicated employee who took great pride in his work. He was good natured, well-liked by his peers, and will be greatly missed. We extend our heartfelt sympathy and support to the Mejia family during this difficult time.
Officer Mejia is survived by his mother and siblings. [Scroll down for further]
(Sept. 18, 2014, updated 6:10 p.m.) -- LBPD Chief Jim McDonnell today (Sept. 18) issued the following statement and LBPD released an accompanying photo:
It is with deep sadness today that the Long Beach Police Department acknowledges the loss of one of our LBPD family. Officer Richard Mejia, a 15-year veteran, was involved in an off-duty fatal traffic collision last night on the 710 Freeway in Paramount.
