A recent incident in the parking lot of the Pasadena Police Department, described as “chaotic horseplay,” resulted in one officer accidentally shooting another. This event took place on September 7, 2025, as officers were arriving for their shifts at the facility located on Ramona Street.
Authorities reported that the incident stemmed from “dangerous and unlawful horseplay with a loaded firearm.”
Newly released footage shows police vehicles moving through the area toward a group of officers. At one point in the video, an officer performs a quick draw with his weapon, aims at a vehicle, then holsters the gun. Shortly after, the officer inside the car also drew his weapon and fired, hitting another officer in the left shoulder through the windshield.
The injured officer has reportedly recovered from the incident.
This shooting is currently under criminal investigation by the Pasadena Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide and Critical Actor Unit, alongside the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris noted that the release of the video was delayed beyond the 45-day requirement set by California law, exercising statutory authority to extend the timeline in order to protect the integrity of the investigation due to the serious nature of the injuries involved.
Following an internal administrative investigation, disciplinary actions have been taken. Chief Harris emphasized that “horseplay and failure to comply with safety regulations and standards of professional conduct will not be tolerated.”
