Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Murder in Tragic Cruiser Crash That Killed Officer, Passenger
A recent, tragic collision that claimed the lives of a young police officer and a civilian passenger is moving through the courts this week, as the man accused of driving the stolen vehicle that caused the crash entered a not guilty plea to murder charges.
Steven Ara Zapata, a 27 year old resident of El Monte, appeared in court on December 4 and denied all charges stemming from the fatal November 20 collision in Alhambra. The case has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community in the Greater Los Angeles Area and serves as a somber reminder of the dangers officers face every day.
The incident that led to these grave charges occurred just after 3 a.m. at the intersection of Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Drive. Authorities allege that Zapata was behind the wheel of a stolen silver Hyundai SUV and was actively fleeing a police pursuit when he collided with an Alhambra Police patrol vehicle.
The crash resulted in the immediate death of one of Zapata’s own passengers, 42 year old Gabriela Moreno, who was ejected from the SUV. The collision also instantly and fatally injured 28 year old Alhambra Police Officer Alec Sanders, who was reportedly attempting to join the pursuit in his cruiser when the impact occurred.
Officer Sanders was a dedicated public servant who was just beginning his career. He had been with the Alhambra Police Department for only eight months, after previously serving with the Long Beach Police Department. Friends and colleagues remembered him as an officer “known for his unwavering reliability,” highlighting that he had even picked up an extra shift for a fellow officer the night he died. He is survived by his fiancée, two younger sisters, and a brother.
The case against Zapata includes two counts of murder, two counts of fleeing a peace officer’s motor vehicle causing death, and one count of reckless driving. The prosecution has made it clear they intend to hold him fully accountable for both deaths, a legal move that underscores the severe consequences of high-speed pursuits. Judge Adam Y. Chang ordered Zapata to remain jailed on a staggering $4 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 23 of the new year.
Police pursuits are always a risk, but the tragic loss of Officer Sanders and Ms. Moreno is a devastating illustration of just how quickly an alleged criminal act can turn into a deadly community tragedy. The families of both victims now face a long and difficult legal process, but the region’s law enforcement community has been vocal in its support, honoring Officer Sanders as a true hero and a dedicated member of their family.