Off-duty Riverside PD sergeant killed in motorcycle crash near Perris identified as 25-year veteran

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Riverside Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own after an off-duty sergeant was killed in a crash.

According to police, Sgt. Matt Lewis was killed in a collision involving a pickup truck Monday night at Pico Avenue and Santa Rosa Road near Perris.

The pickup truck was reportedly towing a trailer. It's unclear if the driver of the truck was injured.

"We are saddened by the tragic and sudden death of our brother, Riverside Police Sergeant Matt Lewis," read a statement used by Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez. "He was well-liked and admired, not only by those he worked alongside with at our department, but throughout the law enforcement community."

More than a dozen officers on their motorcycles led a brief procession as Lewis' body was taken to the coroner's office.

Lewis was a 25-year veteran of the department.

He leaves behind his family, including four children and one grandchild.

"We hurt right now over this loss and ask our community to join us as we mourn Sergeant Lewis and support his grieving family in this immense time of need," said Gonzalez.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.