A Pasadena police officer was seriously injured last year after multiple officers engaged in unsafe horseplay with loaded firearms before their shifts, culminating in a shooting in the department’s parking structure, according to video released Wednesday, June 10. The mobile phone footage, obtained and reviewed by investigators, shows one officer pointing his firearm at another officer who was pulling up in a vehicle around 6:20 a.m.
in 2025. After the officer in view secured his gun, the driving officer fired his weapon, shooting through his front windshield and then striking the first officer in the left shoulder, according to the video.
Police Chief Gene Harris described the incident in a critical incident video, stating, “The shooting resulted from officers engaged in unsafe and out-of-policy horseplay involving loaded firearms.” Harris called the officers’ actions unacceptable and said the department would take steps to ensure officers act appropriately and according to policy. He noted that “disciplinary measures” were taken following an administrative investigation but declined to provide further details, including whether the involved officers were placed on leave.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The injured officer was hospitalized and has since been recovering.
The incident has raised concerns about firearm safety protocols within the department, with community leaders calling for transparency and accountability.