A 28-year-old Alhambra police officer and a woman were killed and two others injured Thursday during a high-speed chase.
The two-vehicle crash occurred after officers responded to the area of Valley Boulevard and Fremont Avenue around 3 a.m. Thursday regarding a pursuit, police said. It was unclear where the chase began and how long it lasted.
Officer Alec Sanders was transported to a local hospital where, despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries, authorities said.
According to published reports, Alhambra police Chief Garrett Kennedy said Sanders had been with the APD for eight months and previously worked for about a year with the Long Beach Police Department.
A female passenger in the other vehicle involved in the collision died at the scene, Kennedy said.
Two other men in that vehicle were injured. A second passenger suffered major injuries and was hospitalized, while the driver sustained moderate injuries and was being questioned as to why he allegedly fled officers.
Kennedy said that Sanders had gone to work Wednesday night to cover a shift for another officer. The chief noted Sanders’ “dedication and kindness” and said he is survived by a fiancée, two younger sisters and a brother.
“He’s known for his unwavering reliability,” Kennedy said. “He was the type of officer who responded to every call, whether he was dispatched to it or not. He was just one of those officers. He was passionate about fitness, and he could often be found working out — a habit that was reflected in his discipline, both on and off the job. His intelligence, work ethic and steady presence made him a respected partner and a friend.”
Kennedy said Sanders enjoyed traveling and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.
City News Service reported the California Highway Patrol was assisting in the investigation with Alhambra police, who were working with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
LA County District 1 Supervisor Hilda Solis and Gov. Gavin Newsom offered condolences Thursday.
“Jennifer and I offer our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Sanders,” Newsom said in a statement. “His exemplary service and unwavering courage reflect the highest ideals of public duty. May we continue to honor his life with profound gratitude; never forgetting his ultimate sacrifice.”
In honor of Sanders, flags at the State Capitol and Capitol Annex Swing Space will remain at half-staff, according to Newsom’s office.
Solis said she was “deeply saddened by the tragic collision that occurred this morning during a pursuit in Alhambra, which resulted in the death of Officer Alec Sanders of the Alhambra Police Department. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Officer Sanders’ family, colleagues, loved ones, and the entire community grieving this profound loss.”
Solis requested all county flags be at half-staff “in honor and recognition of Officer Sanders’ life and service,” she said.
Updated Nov. 22, 2025, 10:57 a.m.
