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\"Today the LA County Sheriff's Department is grieving,\" said Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva in a statement on Twitter. \"We are shocked and stunned by the sudden loss of a family member … She was an outstanding detective who lead by example.\"

Leist had a colorful and varied 12-year career including working as a north county corrections officer, a deputy in Lancaster as well as a school resource officer. Leist had spent the last five years with the West Hollywood station where she had been promoted to detective.

Police are investigating the circumstances around the accident but the driver involved in Leist’s death stopped at the scene and was cooperating with investigators.

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