Fired From Joliet Police: Alfonso Sanchez Finally Has Something To Say About It

JOLIET, IL — Now that Joliet police officer Alfonso Sanchez's termination process is finally over — the Joliet police and fire board upheld his termination earlier this week that came from Police Chief Bill Evans last October — Sanchez has issued a lengthy statement.

"Accountability means owning up to mistakes, but it also means standing up for what is right when unjustly accused. I respect the board of commissioners and the important positions they hold, though I note that a fully fair and informed process is essential in matters such as this, including the manner in which decisions are reached, and that full transparency — including disclosure of all relevant facts — remains necessary to ensure public trust," Sanchez wrote. "I am currently consulting with my attorney on the next steps and the best course of action to continue my pursuit of transparency and to clear my name. I remain committed to serving this community with honor and dedication."

The son of Joliet community activist Amy Sanchez, Alfonso Sanchez becomes the first Joliet police officer fired from his job in the past several years. He's also the first person fired since Evans came to Joliet and became chief of police in March 2022.

Joliet Patch has written numerous stories about Sanchez, whose failure to halt a police chase in January 2024 led to a crash that injured two people and resulted in lawsuits naming Sanchez and the City of Joliet. Sanchez had a suspended driver's license at the time of the incident. Sanchez ignored and disobeyed orders from Joliet police supervisors who called off the nighttime police pursuit, the lawsuits claim.

"I take great pride in being a Joliet police officer. Every day, I arrived at work with deep gratitude, knowing that I’m blessed to be in a position that doesn’t feel like a job. As someone born and raised in this community, Joliet means more to me than words can express," Sanchez wrote. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my family, friends, and coworkers who have steadfastly supported me throughout this process. Special thanks to my attorney, Steve Calcaterra, for his tireless efforts in presenting the facts of my case with integrity and justice. Lastly, I appreciate the dedication of the Fire and Police Board of Commissioners and their commitment to this public hearing."

Sanchez Notified Last October Of His Termination From Joliet Police

In December, Joliet Patch broke the news that a Plainfield woman and a Villa Park man in their mid-20s filed separate civil lawsuits against the city of Joliet and Joliet Police Officer Alfonso Sanchez after they were hospitalized and seriously injured when a fleeing criminal suspect plowed into vehicle on Jan. 7, 2024 near the on-ramp to Interstate 55 and Plainfield Road.

The lawsuits by driver Kasey Artrip and passenger Abigail Barrow also drew attention to the driving record exhibited by Officer Sanchez before and after he was hired by the Joliet Police Department in June 2022. One of the counts outlined in the civil lawsuits against Joliet and Officer Sanchez was a negligence count regarding supervision, training and retention.

Although Sanchez was given a 75-day unpaid work suspension by Police Chief Bill Evans for his role in the Jan. 7, 2024, crash, injuring the two innocent motorists, it later turned out that Evans finally had enough of Sanchez.

The young officer, who marked his two-year anniversary on the force in June 2024, was notified last October that his days on the Joliet Police Department were over. He was served with his notice of termination.

"Mistakes Have Been Made In The Past:" Sanchez Admits

"My journey to becoming a Joliet police officer began in 2015 when I aspired to serve this city," Sanchez wrote. "I joined the Joliet Police Explorer Program, taking on various leadership roles throughout my tenure. Through this program, I volunteered over 100 hours at diverse community events, which allowed me to deepen my connection with the residents of this City. These experiences led to my selection by the department as a Joliet Police Cadet part time. Determined and diligent in my pursuit of becoming a sworn officer, I was honored to be selected on April 27, 2022."

Sanchez noted how he strived to be a leader among his peers.

"I place significant importance on de-escalation and treating everyone I encounter with the dignity, respect, and decency that I expect in return. I also recognize that I am a young officer still learning; while I always act with the best intentions, I am not infallible. Mistakes have been made in the past in separate, unrelated incidents, and I have accepted and faced the consequences."

Back in January, Joliet Patch reported that the city's police and fire board of Mayor Terry D'Arcy would convene hearings to decide whether to uphold Sanchez's termination or reduce his punishment. During the appeal process, Sanchez continued to collect his regular paycheck from Joliet, under the provisions of his FOP labor contract with the city.

"This investigation and the allegations I have faced have been deeply challenging. I am disheartened to have missed participating in numerous community events, including the Santa’s Cops program, which I have proudly supported for nine years—2024 being the first time I could not participate," Sanchez pointed out. "While my shortcomings have been publicly critiqued, I want to share the record of my service to my profession and The Joliet Police Department:

• 6 Possession of Controlled Substance (Arrests)
• 3 Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon UUW (Arrests)
• 7 Recovered Stolen / Aggravated Fleeing (Arrests)
• 2 Separate critical incidents in which firearms were pointed at officers
• 1 Merit award (issued via email)

"I want to clarify that at no time were any allegations against me related to the use of force or violations of civil rights," Sanchez stressed.

"I take immense pride in my name, my reputation, and my service to this community. Wearing the Joliet Police Department uniform and badge has been an honor, and I hold myself to the highest standards of integrity. I know the importance of 'Working with the Community for a Safe City,' which is why I chose this profession. Being a law enforcement officer is not just a job; it is my calling. I pledged my commitment to uphold the values of honor, integrity, and service to the people of our great city that I deeply love. I release this statement to provide transparency within the limits of what I am legally allowed."

Related Joliet Patch coverage of Alfonso Sanchez

• 75-Day Unpaid Suspension For Joliet Cop In High-Speed Chase, Crash
• Joliet Cop With Revoked License Sued By 2 Hurt In Crash Near Mall
• Firing Of Joliet Police Officer Alfonso Sanchez: Hearing Underway
• Palos Hills Man Eludes Joliet Police, Crashes Into SUV Near I-55: PD