The Pasadena Police Department (PPD) has recently released footage of an incident in which one officer accidentally shot another during an internal activity in September 2025. This revelation comes amidst ongoing investigations into the circumstances of the shooting. The video was made public on June 10, 2023, following protocols established under California law, which require transparency once investigations have progressed sufficiently to maintain integrity.
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In a statement accompanying the footage, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris described the incident as a case of “unsafe and out of policy horseplay involving loaded firearms.” He confirmed that the officer who sustained injuries has since recovered, emphasising the potential dangers inherent in handling firearms carelessly. This unfortunate event took place at the police department’s parking structure located at 240 Ramona Street.
The release explained that the timing of the video’s publication was strategically planned to allow investigators the necessary time to complete essential steps in their inquiry. This includes evaluating a wide range of evidence, such as video recordings, witness statements, and forensic analysis.
The brief clip, lasting less than a minute, shows an officer reportedly aiming his firearm towards a colleague who was seated inside a police vehicle. Subsequently, the officer appears to drop his gun and fall to the ground, visibly in pain after apparently being shot in the arm. Witnessing officers quickly gathered around him to provide assistance, visibly alarmed by the situation.
Chief Harris confirmed the wounded officer’s recovery but did not release the identities of those involved. Concerns have been raised about the incident, particularly regarding the protocols in place for handling firearms in non-emergency situations. While the department’s procedures are under review, it is unclear whether any officers have been placed on administrative leave following the shooting.
The investigation remains a priority for the Pasadena Police Department, working in conjunction with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The aim is to conduct a thorough examination of the events that led to the shooting and determine the appropriate course of action in response to the incident.
As this situation unfolds, community members have voiced concerns over the handling of firearms and the impact of such incidents on public trust in law enforcement. Some local residents and stakeholders have called for greater accountability and stricter adherence to safety protocols within the department.
In a broader context, this incident highlights ongoing conversations about police safety practices and the culture within law enforcement agencies. The accidental shooting incident may prompt a reevaluation of training programmes and operational guidelines to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Residents of Pasadena, as well as the wider community, are keen to see the outcomes of the investigation, hoping that it will lead to improved practices within the police department and a reassessment of their policies regarding firearm safety and officer conduct. The PPD has been urged to share the findings of their investigation with the community to foster transparency and trust.
As the PPD continues to assess the data and facts surrounding the incident, the department remains committed to ensuring the safety of both its officers and the public. The journey towards restoring confidence will require both accountability and action in the wake of this incident.