Off Duty LAPD Officer Dies in a Tragic Accident

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is mourning the death of Emergency Operation Divisions Officer Kent Carter, who died in a tragic traffic collision in Santa Ana.

On Dec. 12, 2010, at around 4:30 p.m., Carter was riding his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle, northbound on Santiago Canyon Road, south of Jeffrey Road when his bike veered onto the opposite lane into oncoming traffic. He collided with another motorcyclist, riding a 1999 Honda, who was traveling southbound on Santiago Canyon Road. The Honda motorcycle came to rest in the northbound lane.

Immediately following the first collision, Carter was struck a second time by a man riding a 2007 Honda motorcycle, traveling southbound on Santiago Road, along with a female passenger.The man and his passenger were ejected from their motorcycle and came to rest on the southbound lane of Santiago Canyon Road. Carter’s bike came to rest on the right shoulder.

Medical personnel responded to the scene and treated the driver of the 2007 Honda and his female passenger for serious injuries.They were transported to a local hospital. Carter and the driver of the 1999 Honda were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. 

The California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation.  

Officer Kent Carter worked for the LAPD for over 29 years and his work ethic is legendary. He was hired by the Department on February 23, 1981.The first decade of his career was spent working patrol in Divisions including Wilshire, Rampart, 77th, and time working as a vice officer. Carter’s hard work earned him a position at Training Division where he trained thousands of officers. His method of instruction was legendary and to this day held in high regard from those who learned from him.  

In 1998, Carter was assigned to LAPD’s Labor Relations Division, now under Emergency Operations Division and had been working there ever since. He was a veteran labor relations officer who was responsible for Building and Trades and also worked with numerous unions across the city. Lieutenant Andrew Neiman of Emergency Operations Division explains, “Kent was the most gracious, warm, and considerate individual I have ever met. He loved his family, loved life, and was looking forward to a wonderful retirement in a year. His passing will create a huge void in the Department.” 

Officer Kent Carter is survived by his wife Sharon, his 27 year-old son Preston, 25 year-old daughter Courtney, and his brother Darryl Carter who is a retired Los Angeles County Sheriff.

Comments

[Maurice Landrum]

My condolences go out to the Kent's family and our LAPD. I remember Kent being assigned to the Academy Training Unit. Such a great guy. I was in 5-83.

God bless,
Mo Landrum

[marlene]

R.I.P. Kent,
I am so grateful to have had you in our lives. You were one of the greatest men who ever walk on this earth.
Love,
Marlene & Warner

[IT Staffing]

This is nice blog with all the information that i wanted to know about. Thanks for such a nice post.

[James A. Louis]

My sincere condolences to the Carter family. Kent, was an outstanding Police Officer, was excellent for the community he served, inspired many who knew, worked and were team mates with him.

He will be truely missed, God Bless.
J. Louis.

[CHRISTOPHER]

very sorry to here about your loss,sounds like he was a very valuable and nice guy to have around, will be sorly missed to the LAPD.compliments from another in uniform. NEW ZEALAND

[George Madrid]

Their were days that i would call him at 5:30 in the morning. Going to work and his voice would greet me what's happening vato. How you been? hows the family have you gone fishing or hunting. Have you seen anybody lately. While he greets me.Music is playing something from the sixties. This was all i needed to make my week stress free knowing that Kent was always their for me or as you know for many of us. Kent was my Good Friend Grammar School High School through thick and thin I can't express how much I loved him. For fifty years we ran the streets of LA. He was the kind of person you want your children to Roll Model. Kind Respectable Good Christian upbringing his mother Katherine raised two young children. Darell and kent his dad died when kent was in the third grade. She raised two of who became Americas Finest.

[Anette]

Very sorry to hear another LAPD officer is gone. It sounds like he was an inspiration to many whose time and skills so valuable for the next generation of officers. God Bless his family and LAPD.

[Bradfallon]

Heartfelt condolence to LAPD officer.He is a good model for the upcoming officer.

[The Higgins Family]

My wife grew up across the street from Kent and his family. She would baby sit and really grew close to Kent and Sharon and family. Lovingly, heavy-handed seemed to be Kent's fathering technique. He was old fashion with his values and morals. They attended the same church. He was as big in image as he was at heart to the people that knew him. Our heart felt condolences to the Carter family. His brightness and warmth will truly be missed.