Driver Charged After Boxes Spilled Onto Highway and Caused Fatal Police Crash

Mar. 15, 2025

Officer Chad Swanson.Photo:Manhattan Beach police department

Manhattan Beach police department

A Compton resident has been charged in the death of a police officer after allegedly causing a fatal crash.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges against Raymond Eugene Sanders in connection with the Oct. 4, 2023 death of Manhattan Beach Police Officer Chad Swanson.

Sanders, 68, is charged with one count of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence, a misdemeanor, per apress releasefrom the district attorney’s office.

A memorial for Officer Chad Swanson.Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty

Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times via Getty

The father of three was killed on the 405 Highway at Del Amo Avenue after an accident involving Sanders’ vehicle at approximately 5:15 a.m. Swanson was transported to Harbor Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

“Sanders is accused of improperly securing boxes of lighting fixtures to his truck, causing several to fall onto the roadway. Investigators determined improper securement as a key factor in the crash,” the press release states.

If found guilty, Sanders could spend up to one year in county jail.

“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.”

Chad Swanson memorial.Manhattan Beach police department

In a statement in the district attorney’s office release, California Highway Patrol Chief Chris Margaris said, “The CHP would like to remind everyone, if you are transporting any cargo that could spill onto the roadway, it needs to be properly secured.”

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Swanson’s obituary described him as someone fearless.

“Despite being wounded at theRoute 91 Harvest Country Music Festival, he repeatedly ran into the crowd bringing people to safety,” the City of Manhattan Beach said of Swanson’s heroic efforts in the 2017 tragedy.

Nearly 60 people were killed and more than 700 others were injured.

source: people.com