“This is the first time in the history of the La Mesa Police Department that we gather to memorialize an officer lost in the line of duty, and that reality weighs heavily on us,” said Services Capt. Greg Runge, ahead of an unveiling ceremony for Officer Lauren Craven’s name on the department monument.
Since being installed in 2010, the largest side of the black granite monument outside department headquarters has been completely blank. Now it bears Officer Lauren Craven’s name and her death date, Oct. 20, 2025.
Capt. Katy Lynch, who was involved in installing the monument 16 years ago, shared part of its history in the ceremony.
“At that time, the La Mesa Police Department had never lost an officer in the line of duty, and we hoped that we would never add a name to this side of the monument,” Lynch said. “(Today) we add our hero Officer Lauren Craven’s name to this monument. Gone but never forgotten, because heroes live forever.”
Craven’s colleagues wished her a tearful goodbye and promised to remember her forever during a solemn ceremony Thursday attended by hundreds of law enforcement, city officials and community members. Her parents and partner were also in attendance.
Craven was remembered for her empathy, professionalism and bravery.
La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven. (Photo courtesy of La Mesa Police Department)
“She brought compassion to people on their worst days. She brought strength when situations demanded it, and she brought a spirit that lifted those around her even in the toughest moments,” said Chief Ray Sweeney in a keynote address. “She was the kind of officer you wanted by your side.”
The 25-year-old officer was allegedly killed by a suspected drunk driver, military police officer Antonio Alcantar, as Craven was responding to an unrelated crash on the I-8. The driver in the initial crash, 19-year-old La Mesa resident De’Veonte Morris, also died in the collision.
Alcantar has since pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
Craven has been honored in several ways since her death, including at the state level.
“We affirm that her legacy will remain a permanent part of history and remain in the hearts of La Mesa,” said Assemblymember LaShae Sharp-Collins.
Chief Roy Sweeney, center, speaks to community members at a monument unveiling on May 7, 2026. (Photo by Drew Sitton/Times of San Diego)
Assemblymember Sharp-Collins adjourned in honor of Craven on April 13, so her service will be included in California state archives. In addition, Sharp-Collins is working to have CalTrans memorialize Craven along the Interstate-8 freeway where the collision occurred.
On May 4, Craven was honored in Sacramento in a kick-off to National Police Week.
“She became a leading example of public service within our community and in the field,” Sharp-Collins said. “Officer Craven represented the very best of law enforcement.”
The county also honored Craven at the Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial ceremony outside the County Administration Building on May 6.
Craven was the only San Diego County law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty last year.
Next week, Craven’s name will be read aloud during a ceremony at the National Peace Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
“While (Craven) may be gone from our sight, she will never be absent from the heart of this department,” Runge said. “Lauren’s name will remain here, permanently etched into this memorial and permanently etched into the hearts of the people who knew and loved her.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled the name of La Mesa Police Department Chief Ray Sweeney.
