Officer, Suspect Killed In High-Speed Chase Crash In LA County

ALHAMBRA, CA — A 28-year-old police officer and the suspect he was chasing died in a high-speed collision during an early-morning pursuit in Alhambra Wednesday.

Officer Alec Sanders, 28, was pursuing a gray SUV at around 3 a.m. when the collision occurred near Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive. The suspect's vehicle apparently crashed into Sanders' SUV, KTLA reported.

It was unclear where the chase began and how long it lasted.

Video from the scene showed the officer appearing to be unconscious as he was taken in critical condition to Los Angeles General Medical Center, where he later died.

One of three people in the other vehicle involved in the collision was also killed. The woman died at the scene, Alhambra Police Chief Garrett Kennedy said. Reports from the site of the crash indicated she had been ejected from the vehicle.

She is believed to be the driver, KTLA reported.

Two other men in that vehicle were injured -- a second passenger suffered major injuries and was taken to a hospital, while the driver sustained moderate injuries and was being questioned.

Sanders had been with the APD for eight months, having been sworn in at a ceremony only recently. He previously worked for about a year with the Long Beach Police Department, Kennedy said.

Kennedy said that Sanders had gone to work Wednesday night to cover a shift for somebody else. The chief said he is survived by a fiancée, two younger sisters and a brother, and would be "remembered for his dedication, his kindness and positive impact he had on everyone."

"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 a passionate Dallas Cowboys fan.

California Highway Patrol Officer Elizabeth Kravig told City News Service the CHP was assisting in the investigation with Alhambra police, who were working with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office with the investigation.

City News Service contributed to this report.