Alhambra police officer Alec Sanders killed during crash while pursuing suspect

First responders in Los Angeles County are mourning the death of an Alhambra police officer killed in the line of duty after a police pursuit ended in a violent crash early Thursday.

Officer Alec Sanders, 28, was on duty around 3 a.m. when Alhambra officers began pursuing an SUV with three suspects, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported.

During the chase, the suspect’s vehicle crashed into Sanders’ patrol vehicle, the impact being so violent that a female suspect was ejected at the scene and was pronounced dead.

The front end of Sanders’ patrol car was crushed and the airbags deployed. He was found unconscious and not breathing inside his SUV and was rushed nearly four miles to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead several hours later.

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Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy said Sanders volunteered to cover another officer’s night shift that night.

The department described Sanders as “a dedicated public servant, a trusted partner and a caring friend.”

“He was known for his unwavering reliability and deep sense of discipline on and off duty, leaving a lasting impact on those who served alongside him,” Alhambra police wrote on Facebook. “He answered the call to serve and protect and did so with honor, integrity and courage. His sacrifice will be forever remembered.”

Alhambra officer Alec Sanders, 28, was killed early Thursday morning when a vehicle involved in a police pursuit crashed into his patrol vehicle. (FOX 11 LA)

Sanders joined the Alhambra Police Department in April 2025 after serving a year with the Long Beach Police Department.

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A somber procession accompanied his body to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office later Thursday.

Video from FOX 11 LA showed dozens of officers walking behind the van carrying Sanders, and more first responders from various police and fire departments lined the street outside the hospital to pay their respects.

Alhambra police officer Alec Sanders, 28, was less than two years into his law enforcement career when he died Thursday following a fiery crash during a police pursuit. (Alhambra Police Department)

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Sanders is survived by his fiancée, parents and two younger siblings.

“We ask that you keep his family, loved ones, and our department in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We sincerely appreciate the overwhelming support of our law enforcement partners and community members. Thank you for standing with us as we honor Officer Sanders’ life and service,” Alhambra police wrote on Facebook.