Fired Joliet Officer Alfonso Sanchez Seeks to Clear His Name

UPDATE: Former Joliet police officer Alfonso Sanchez is making headlines after his recent termination from the Joliet Police Department this week. In a written statement released on Thursday, Sanchez announced he is consulting with his attorney to pursue “transparency and to clear my name,” following the unanimous decision by the Joliet Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to uphold the police chief’s recommendation for his dismissal.

The board’s decision, made on Monday, stems from serious incidents involving Sanchez, including a high-speed crash on July 21, 2024, where he drove his squad car recklessly, colliding with another officer’s vehicle. This was not the first disciplinary action against him; Sanchez had already faced a 75-day suspension earlier in the year for his conduct during a January chase that resulted in injuries to two civilians.

In his statement, Sanchez reflected on his journey with the police force since joining in April 2022. He emphasized his pride in serving the Joliet community, stating, “I take great pride in being a Joliet police officer.” However, he acknowledged his inexperience, admitting, “I am a young officer still learning; while I always act with the best intentions, I am not infallible.”

Despite the serious allegations against him, Sanchez maintained that “at no time were any allegations against me related to the use of force or violations of civil rights.” He mentioned his record of making six arrests for possession of controlled substances and three for aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, asserting his commitment to duty.

In response to Sanchez’s statement, Police Chief William Evans emphasized the importance of accountability within the department, stating, “It is the Joliet Police Department’s priority that our members are held accountable for their actions.” This statement underscores the ongoing scrutiny the department faces regarding its officers’ conduct.

As Sanchez navigates this challenging period, he has not explicitly stated whether he intends to file legal action to regain his position. However, his focus on maintaining his reputation and continuing his career in law enforcement suggests that this story is far from over.

The community is watching closely as Sanchez’s next steps unfold, with many eager to see how this situation will evolve. His future in law enforcement hangs in the balance as he seeks to address the allegations and clear his name.