At 3 a.m. on Nov. 20, a fatal collision on Edgewood and Valley Boulevard turned a routine patrol into tragedy. Officer Alec Sanders, 28, was driving an Alhambra police cruiser when it was struck by a vehicle that was later identified as a stolen SUV. The impact caused both vehicles to sustain major damage and deploy their airbags. Video footage captured Sanders unconscious as he was transported to Los Angeles General Medical Center.
The stolen SUV was driven by Steven Ara Zapata, 27, of El Monte, who was later charged with murder and other counts. Zapata was driving an allegedly stolen Hyundai SUV when it collided with the police cruiser. The collision also claimed the life of Gabriela Moreno, 42, who was a passenger in the SUV. A second passenger, a 52‑year‑old man whose name has not been released, suffered serious but non‑life‑threatening injuries.
Officer Sanders had been with the Alhambra Police Department for only eight months, having joined after a year of service with the Long Beach Police Department. At the time of the crash, he was covering a colleague’s shift. His fiancée, two younger sisters, and a brother survived him. The officer’s family will attend the funeral services held on Tuesday in Porter Ranch.
The funeral services will take place at Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch. Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy and Shepherd Church Pastor Ave Anaya will join Sanders’ family for the final tribute. Representatives from local, state, and federal agencies, as well as dignitaries and city officials, are expected to attend. The ceremony will honor the fallen officer’s courage and sacrifice.
Authorities have not yet determined whether Officer Sanders was involved in a pursuit or responding to the incident when the crash occurred. They also have not confirmed if the cruiser’s lights and sirens were activated at the time of the collision. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The Alhambra police SUV came to rest in the westbound lanes of Valley Boulevard, west of Edgewood. The Hyundai SUV ended up in a parking lot behind a fast‑food restaurant just west of Edgewood. Both vehicles sustained major damage, with airbags deployed in each.
Steven Ara Zapata pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges. He sustained moderate injuries during the collision and was taken to a hospital before being arrested. The second passenger in the SUV was also transported to a hospital for treatment.
In a statement released shortly after the case was filed, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, \”I am absolutely heartbroken by this devastating incident that claimed the life of Officer Alec Sanders. We honor his courage and his sacrifice, and we hold his loved ones and the Alhambra Police Department in our thoughts. I also express my condolences to Gabriela Moreno’s family during this time. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the risks our officers face every day to keep our community safe.\”
The district attorney also stated that his office will \”do its job with the strength and resolve this tragedy warrants to hold the individual accountable for their actions.\”
If convicted, Steven Ara Zapata could face up to 80 to 120 years to life in state prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office. The potential sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges brought against him.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers that law‑enforcement officers face on the job. It also highlights the importance of vehicle safety and the consequences of vehicle theft. The community mourns the loss of a young officer and a passenger in a tragic collision.
Key Takeaways
- Officer Alec Sanders, 28, was killed in a collision with a stolen SUV at Edgewood and Valley Boulevard on Nov. 20.
- Steven Ara Zapata, 27, of El Monte, pleaded not guilty and faces up to 120 years to life if convicted.
- Funeral services on Tuesday in Porter Ranch will be attended by family, police chief, church pastor, and officials.
The funeral services and the investigation continue to unfold as the community seeks closure and justice for Officer Sanders and the victims of the crash.
Hi, I’m Ethan R. Coleman, a dedicated journalist and content creator at newsoflosangeles.com — your trusted source for the latest news, insights, and stories from Los Angeles and beyond.
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