Driver arrested in fatal car chase that resulted in death of Alhambra police officer and passenger

The California Highway Patrol has reported that they have apprehended the individual responsible for a car crash that tragically resulted in the deaths of two people, including a police officer from Alhambra. The driver, currently undergoing medical treatment, was taken into custody on suspicion of second-degree murder. Identified as 27-year-old Steven Zapata from El Monte, the suspect allegedly drove a stolen Hyundai SUV and collided with a police vehicle driven by 28-year-old Alhambra Police Officer Alec Sanders. Officer Sanders, unfortunately, did not survive the collision. Zapata awaits clearance to be transferred to a detention facility. According to officials, the incident took place at 3 a.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive. A detailed investigation by the CHP revealed that Zapata was driving north on Edgewood Drive while Sanders was heading west on Valley Boulevard when their vehicles collided at the intersection. Sanders was reportedly pursuing Zapata at the time of the crash. The Hyundai involved in the incident had two passengers, one of whom, a woman named Gabriela Moreno, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Sanders, meanwhile, sustained critical injuries and sadly passed away at the Los Angeles General Medical Center. Police Chief Garrett Kennedy described Sanders as a dedicated officer known for his dependable nature and willingness to respond to any call. He added that Sanders, who had been with the Alhambra Police Department for eight months and had previously worked for the Long Beach Police Department, will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, and colleagues.