Coroner ID's Off-Duty Officer Killed In Crash Downtown

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Los Angeles police were mourning the loss of an off-duty officer killed in a motorcycle crash near an interchange Downtown.

Authorities said 48-year-old Jesus Ravega of West Covina lost control of his bike as he tried to pass a stake bed truck on the northbound Hollywood (101) Freeway at the northbound Pasadena (110) Freeway about 11 a.m. Friday.

"As he was passing a big rig truck, he lost control of his motorcycle and fell," a police spokesman said Friday. "The passing truck ran over the officer's motorcycle and then the officer."

Ravega was rushed to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. He was a 24-year veteran assigned to the Foothill Station.

In a statement released Saturday made on behalf of all members of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, President Paul M. Weber responded to the tragic news.

"The death of Jesus is a tremendous loss to the LAPD and to the community. Jesus was a dedicated police officer and will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Jesus was known for his kindness and his helpful nature and right now our focus needs to be on taking care of the family and friends he left behind."

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