RIP Joe Sanders

This is what we now know regarding the CHP officer killed early this morning near the 60 Freeway and Azusa Avenue.

RIP Joe Sanders, 29.

A CHP officer who was killed in an early morning traffic accident on the 60 Freeway was identified as Officer Joseph Sanders, 29, officials said Monday.

Sanders leaves a pregnant wife and three children ages 7, 3, and 10 months.

Sanders was a Marine Corp veteran who fought in Fallujah.

Flags will be flown at half-staff at the state Capitol in honor of Sanders, state officials said.

"These losses are tragig and we feel them deeply,' CHP Capt. Dan Minor said.

Minor said Sanders and his partner weere working the graveyard shift when they encountered a pickup truck that had spun out on the 60 Freeway near Azusa Avenue. While Sanders' partner was talking to the driver, a second traffic accident occurred. A car involved in that accident struck Sanders and killed him.

Officials said speeding may have resulted int he accident. All three drivers were being questioned. No charges have been filed.

Sanders grew up in Lodi, California and served a tour of duty in Iraq before joining the CHP.

"This is our 214 officer killed in the line of duty" CHP commissioner Joe Farrow said. "What is important is that he didnt' die in vain. It was out here doing what he was piad to do."