Alhambra police officer killed during stolen vehicle pursuit

An Alhambra police officer died after a pursuit suspect crashed into his patrol car early Thursday morning.

The California Highway Patrol, which investigated the fatal crash, said Officer Alec Sanders, 28, was trying to join an active pursuit when the driver of a stolen vehicle struck the side of his patrol car at Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive just after 3 a.m.

The impact threw a 33-year-old woman from the passenger seat of the stolen vehicle, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Two men — a 52-year-old passenger and 27-year-old driver Steven Zapata — were also injured.

Sanders died at Los Angeles General Medical Center. SkyCal flew over a procession where law enforcement and fire units lined the street near the hospital to honor him.

Alhambra Police Chief Garret Kennedy said Sanders had served with the department for just over eight months and previously worked for the Long Beach Police Department for more than a year.

“This loss will have a profound impact on our entire law enforcement family,” Alhambra PD posted on X . “Our thoughts are with Officer Sanders’ family, friends, classmates, and the entire Alhambra Police Department during this difficult time. We honor his service and sacrifice.”

Kennedy described Sanders as a devoted family man who was “known for his unwavering reliability.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom also posted on X mourning the loss. He called Sanders a “dedicated public servant.”

“Our profound sympathies are with his loved ones and colleagues,” Newsom wrote. “In honor of Officer Sanders’ unwavering courage, I’ve instructed flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff.”

CHP officers arrested Zapata for second-degree murder.