Stolen Hyundai SUV struck police vehicle after chase through city streets in Alhambra
November 20, 2025 | Alhambra, CA
A high-speed police chase in Alhambra culminated in a tragic two-vehicle crash early Thursday morning, claiming the lives of a passenger and a police officer.
Gabriela Moreno, 42, died when the stolen Hyundai SUV they were in collided with a police cruiser at Valley Boulevard and Edgewood Street in Alhambra during CHP pursuit.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when Alhambra Police Department officers pursued a stolen Hyundai SUV. The chase ended near the intersection of Edgewood Street and Valley Boulevard, where the suspect vehicle collided with a police SUV.
Key details include:
- Victim 1: Gabriela Moreno, 42, a passenger in the Hyundai, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene.
- Victim 2: The 28-year-old officer driving the police vehicle also died in the crash.
- Injuries: A second passenger in the Hyundai sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized.
- Suspect: The 27-year-old driver from El Monte was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder.
- Vehicles Involved: Stolen Hyundai SUV and Alhambra Police Department SUV.
- Agency: California Highway Patrol (CHP) provided additional details, and the incident is under investigation by local authorities.
Where Did the Crash Occur?
The collision took place at the busy intersection of Edgewood Street and Valley Boulevard in Alhambra, a key area for local traffic. This location highlights ongoing concerns about high-speed pursuits in urban settings.
Why Do Police Pursuit Crashes Happen?
Traffic laws require drivers to comply with police stops, but pursuits can escalate risks. Authorities are reviewing whether officers followed proper chase protocols in this case.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), police pursuit-related collisions resulted in 577 fatalities in 2022, the highest recorded year.
Year |
Police Pursuit Fatalities (NHTSA Data) |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
577 |
NHTSA |
2021 |
523 |
NHTSA |
2020 |
498 |
NHTSA |
This table underscores the rising dangers of such incidents, drawing from Federal Highway Administration-supported data.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes during pursuits, independent investigations play a crucial role.
“An attorney can collect the proper evidence to help prove that a driver’s actions were reckless, which requires a variety of resources,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for Newsline. “Your lawyer can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and text records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide victims while vigorously protecting their legal rights and best interests.”
Key takeaways:
- Reckless driving in pursuits demands thorough evidence gathering.
- Legal representation ensures analysis of videos, witness statements, and records.
- Attorneys advocate for victims' rights in complex crash scenarios.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Pending investigation outcomes, the family of Gabriela Moreno may pursue a wrongful death claim for damages including loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Families can seek compensation for emotional and financial losses.
- Independent legal review protects against insurance company tactics.
- Ongoing updates from attorneys keep families informed.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).