In the quiet hours just after 3 a.m. Thursday, what began as a high‑speed pursuit in Alhambra ended in tragedy: a young police officer lost his life, a woman was killed, and two others were seriously hurt. The city is reeling from the loss—and demanding answers.
According to authorities, the police chase began near Valley Boulevard and Fremont Avenue and ended in a violent collision at the corner of Valley and Edgewood Drive. A gray SUV carrying three people slammed into an Alhambra police vehicle. The impact was so severe that witnesses said a woman was ejected from the SUV. She was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The Alhambra patrol car was left badly battered, with its front end crushed and airbags deployed. Inside was 28‑year-old Officer Alec Sanders, who was found unconscious by fellow officers. He was rushed, sirens blazing, to Los Angeles General Medical Center, but tragically passed away.
Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy said Sanders had only been with the department for about eight months—and had previously spent a year working with the Long Beach Police Department. He described him as a dedicated and reliable man: someone who volunteered for extra shifts (on this night, he covered for a coworker), had a fierce discipline in fitness, and carried a calm intelligence into every call. Kennedy said he loved traveling and was an ardent Dallas Cowboys fan.
As for the SUV, two other occupants survived. One man is in serious condition in the hospital, and the driver—who suffered moderate injuries—is being questioned. The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation, with Alhambra detectives and the L.A. County District Attorney’s office assisting.
Residents near the crash site say Valley Boulevard was shut down for hours—from Fremont to South Date Avenue—as emergency responders worked and investigators combed through the wreckage. The scene has sent ripples through the community, not only for the loss of Officer Sanders but also because this wasn’t a random collision—it stemmed from a high‑speed pursuit.
In remembering Sanders, many have pointed to his warmth and steady presence. Chief Kennedy said he was known for responding to every call, even when he wasn’t on duty, simply because he felt a responsibility. He leaves behind two younger sisters, a brother, and a fiancé, and his sudden death has left friends and fellow officers heartbroken.
Investigators are still piecing together exactly what caused the chase to start and what led to the brutal crash. But in Alhambra, the grief is already real—and the loss of a promising young officer has left a void few will forget.
