Updated

Updated · Pasadena Now · Jun 11

Pasadena Police Release Video of 2025 Officer Shooting, Impose Discipline Over Firearms Horseplay

Updated

Updated · Pasadena Now · Jun 11

Pasadena Police Release Video of 2025 Officer Shooting, Impose Discipline Over Firearms Horseplay

Q: After an officer shot his partner, will internal discipline be the only consequence?

No. Internal discipline is already complete, but it is not the only possible consequence. Pasadena police said the administrative investigation has ended and discipline has been imposed. But Chief Gene Harris also said criminal and force reviews are still pending. Those reviews involve the department’s Robbery-Homicide Unit, its Critical Incident Review Unit, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. That means prosecutors and investigators are still deciding whether the officer’s conduct warrants criminal charges or other formal findings beyond department punishment. The officer could also face state licensing consequences. In California, the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training can decertify officers for serious misconduct, which would bar them from serving as police officers elsewhere in the state. Whether that happens would depend on the final findings and any referral to POST. Civil liability is another possible consequence. Because one officer was shot and injured, even though he has recovered, the incident could still expose the shooter and possibly the city to a civil claim. What is known now is narrower: the department has already punished the officers internally, and the chief has publicly described the conduct as “unsafe,” “out-of-policy,” and unacceptable. What is not yet known is whether the pending criminal and force reviews will lead to prosecution, decertification proceedings, or civil action.

3 articles · Updated · Pasadena Now · Jun 11

Sept. 7 parking-garage footage shows Pasadena officers pointing loaded guns at each other before one round fired through a patrol car windshield and struck an officer in the left shoulder.
Chief Gene Harris said the shooting happened as officers loaded vehicles for shift start, calling it unsafe, out-of-policy horseplay and a failure to follow firearms safety rules; the wounded officer later recovered.
California generally requires release of critical-incident video within 45 days, but Harris said he delayed disclosure while investigators handled the seriously injured officer's treatment and completed key investigative steps.
Administrative findings are complete and discipline has been imposed, while Pasadena police units and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office still review footage, witness statements and forensic evidence for criminal and force decisions.