Off-duty LASD deputy killed in 101 Freeway crash in San Fernando Valley

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A violent crash on the 101 Freeway killed an off-duty LASD deputy and shut down all westbound lanes through the San Fernando Valley early Tuesday morning.

The crash happened around 2:17 a.m. at Tujunga Avenue in the North Hollywood area, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Deputy Marcos Pena Jr., 31, was killed alongside another person, who has not been identified, when they were struck by an International box truck on the freeway.

CHP said a black Kia SUV was stopped in traffic lanes for unknown reasons and the two occupants exited the vehicle. That's when the box truck crashed into them. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

It was not immediately clear if the driver of the box truck was injured.

Traffic was diverted onto the northbound 170 Freeway. The westbound 134 transition to the westbound 101, and the Tujunga Avenue on-ramp to the westbound 101 were also closed as a result of the crash.

The area has since reopened.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic and untimely loss of Deputy Pena Jr., who was taken from us far too soon," said Sheriff Robert G. Luna in a statement posted to social media. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those who had the honor of serving alongside him."

Pena joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on July 14, 2022, and was assigned to Men's Central Jail, the post read.

He is survived by his mother, Michelle Rubio and his stepfather, Deputy Albert Rubio, his four stepsiblings, Diserre Rubio, Ashley Rubio, Albert Rubio, and Deja Rubio.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.