“Officer Swanson was a beloved member of our police family, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him,” said MBPD Chief Rachel Johnson. “This has been a trying year for our department, but we remain committed to honoring his memory by continuing to serve and protect our community. We appreciate the work of the District Attorney and CHP Investigators and the ongoing efforts to ensure justice is served.”

“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. “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.”

Swanson Was 13-Year MBPD Veteran

Swanson had served the Manhattan Beach Police Department since 2010, where he began on patrol and was selected for the Motor Division in 2017. Prior to serving in Manhattan Beach, he was a member of the Hawthorne Police Department.

On Oct. 4, 2023, at approximately 5:19 a.m., Swanson was fatally injured in a multi-vehicle crash on the northbound 405 Freeway in Carson, after being thrown from his department motorcycle.

Sanders is accused of improperly securing boxes of lighting fixtures to his truck, causing several to fall onto the roadway. The accident involved as many as four cars. All of the drivers stayed at the scene, according to CHP. When first responders reached Swanson, they performed CPR, but tragically, Swanson died at the hospital from his injuries.

Investigators determined that improper securement was a key factor in the crash.

In addition to expressing condolences for the loss of Swanson, California Highway Patrol Chief Chris Margaris noted: “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.”

Swanson Mourned by Colleagues, Community

Swanson left behind his wife Hailey, as well as three children who were ages 4, 2, and 10 months old at the time.

His death came almost exactly six years after the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival shootings in Las Vegas, where he had been hailed as a hero for helping the wounded and escorting others to safety - while being wounded himself.

Hundreds of residents crowded the streets last year when Swanson was honored, first at a candlelight vigil and also at a funeral procession leaving from the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

Later in October 2023, the Manhattan Beach Fire Department hosted a pancake breakfast, raising $10,000 for Swanson's family.

In May 2024, four Manhattan Beach Police officers joined the Police Unity Tour Challenge Ride, ending at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC., in honor of Swanson.

Last week, honoring the one-year anniversary of Swanson's death, MBPD held a ceremony and added a plaque with Swanson's name to its memorial wall.