Alhambra police officer killed during stolen vehicle pursuit

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

The California Highway Patrol, which handled the investigation into the deadly crash, said Officer Alec Sanders, 28, was attempting to join the pursuit when the driver of the stolen vehicle crashed into the side of his patrol car at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive just after 3 a.m. 

The collision ejected a 33-year-old woman from the passenger's seat of the stolen vehicle, who 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 police and fire units lined the streets near the Los Angeles General Medical Center, honoring Sanders. 

Alhambra Police Chief Garret Kennedy said he had served with the department for just over eight months and previously served at 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 wrote in a post to 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."

He described Sanders as a dedicated family man who was "known for his unwavering reliability."

Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X mourning the loss of the officer. Newsom described him as 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.