The Alhambra Police Department was scheduled to hold a candlelight vigil for an officer who died in a crash last week while following a stolen vehicle.
Officer Alec Sanders died last Thursday on Valley Boulevard near Raymond and Fremont avenues when the stolen Hyundai crashed into his patrol car, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Officer Sanders, 28, had a swearing-in ceremony earlier this month. He had been working with the Alhambra Police Department for eight months after spending a year with the Long Beach Police Department. Sanders was survived by his parents, two younger sisters and a brother.
“Over the past several days, our department has felt the strength of this community in countless ways. The support, compassion, and kindness shown have meant more than we can put into words,” the Alhambra Police Department said in a statement as it invited community members and law enforcement officials to join the candlelight vigil.
The event was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Alhambra police station, located at 211 S. First Street.
“This vigil will give our community a chance to come together in a moment of unity and remembrance, the department said.
Among the three people inside the stolen vehicle, a 33-year-old woman was rejected from the car and died at the scene.
The driver of the car, 27-year-old Steven Zapata, was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries and was charged with the officer’s murder. CHP investigators determined that Alhambra police were in pursuit of Zapata at the time of the crash.
It was not immediately clear when Zapata will appear in court.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
Be First to Comment