Alec Sanders: Alhambra police officer filling in for colleague killed in pursuit crash

California officer killed in pursuit crash

Alhambra officer Alec Sanders died during a high-speed two-vehicle crash during a chase.

ALHAMBRA, Calif. - The Alhambra Police Department is in mourning after one of their own was killed in an early morning pursuit crash.

Officer Alec Sanders was pronounced dead by medical personnel hours after he was rushed to the hospital following the crash. One of the pursuit suspects was also declared dead at the crash site. 

Deadly pursuit crash 

What we know:

Officers with the Alhambra Police Department were called to a pursuit near the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive around 3 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20. Officers were in pursuit of an SUV with three suspects inside when the violent crash occurred. 

Witnesses reported the impact was so severe that a female passenger was ejected from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene. The body was found in an alleyway behind a local Wienerschnitzel. Another individual from the SUV was taken into custody and transported to the hospital.

The Alhambra police vehicle involved in the crash suffered extensive damage, with the front end crushed and the airbag deployed. The officer inside was found not breathing and was rushed to Los Angeles General Medical Center, approximately four miles from the crash site. Law enforcement provided an escort for the ambulance, clearing the way with lights and sirens as the officer fought for his life. Hours later, he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Valley Boulevard was closed from Fremont to South Date Avenue, spanning three blocks. Investigators from Alhambra Police, Gabriel Police, and the California Highway Patrol were at the scene, with additional detectives arriving to continue the investigation. The closure lasted throughout the morning.

Officer dies after overnight pursuit crash

An officer who was rushed to the hospital following an overnight pursuit crash was pronounced dead at the hospital, officials said.

What we know about the fallen officer

According to Alhambra Chief Garrett Kennedy, the officer who died was 28-year-old Alec Sanders. 

He was with Alhambra police for 8 months and with the Long Beach Police Department for a year.

He’s survived by his 2 younger sisters, his parents and his fiancé. He was described as a Dallas Cowboys fan who was passionate about fitness.

Alhambra officer killed in early morning pursuit crash

Hearts were heavy after an officer and civilian were killed during an early morning pursuit crash.

Sanders had gone to work Wednesday night to cover a shift for somebody else, according Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy.

"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."

Procession for fallen police officer

A procession was held for Officer Alec Sanders, who passed away following an early morning pursuit crash in Alhambra.

A throng of officers and first responders from various agencies went to the hospital and accompanied the van bearing Sanders' body in a somber procession to the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office.

What's next:

The investigation into the crash continues. It was unclear if the officer had lights and sirens deployed when the collision happened.