Photo: Manhattan Beach police department
A resident of Compton has been charged in connection with the tragic death of a police officer following an alleged fatal crash. On Tuesday, October 8, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that 68-year-old Raymond Eugene Sanders faces one count of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, a misdemeanor, related to the death of Manhattan Beach Police Officer Chad Swanson.
Officer Swanson was riding his patrol motorcycle to work on October 4, 2023, when he was involved in a fatal accident caused by Sanders’ vehicle. According to both the district attorney’s press release and an obituary issued by the City of Manhattan Beach, the incident occurred on the 405 Highway at Del Amo Avenue around 5:15 a.m. Despite being rushed to Harbor Medical Center, Swanson succumbed to his injuries.
The press release details that Sanders is accused of improperly securing boxes of lighting fixtures to his truck, leading to several boxes falling onto the roadway. Investigators identified this improper securement as a critical factor contributing to the crash. Should Sanders be found guilty, he could face up to one year in county jail.
In a heartfelt statement, District Attorney Gascón expressed the community’s grief over the loss of Officer Swanson. “The life of Officer Swanson, a husband and father of three young children, was tragically cut short. He had honorably served the Manhattan Beach community for 13 years, and his loss is a profound one felt by his family, colleagues, and all who knew him,” Gascón said. told by AOL.
He also emphasized the broader implications of the case, stating, “This case is a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence on our roads. Drivers must always remain vigilant and cautious — failure to do so can cost lives. Those who act recklessly and put others in danger will be held accountable.”
The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle and the importance of road safety. As the community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, the case against Sanders continues to unfold, highlighting the serious repercussions of negligence on the roadways.
