Pasadena Officer Shot by Colleague During Horseplay Incident

On September 7, 2025, a dashcam video released by the Pasadena Police Department showed a harrowing moment within the department’s parking garage. An officer drew his firearm in a quick‑draw display aimed at a colleague approaching from a patrol unit. The weapon discharged, striking the front windshield of the vehicle and a left‑shoulder area of the standing officer.

The officer who was shot suffered a non‑penetrating wound and immediately succumbed to pain, grabbing his shoulder in distress. He was promptly consoled and treated on scene, with medical personnel confirming that he has since recovered from the injury.

Chief Gene Harris characterized the scene as a “horseplay incident” and emphasized that such conduct violates safety protocols. He added that the department has disciplined the officers involved and stresses that “horseplay and failure to adhere to safety rules and standards of professional conduct will not be tolerated.”

The incident has become the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Officers were identified only by rank and position; details of the disciplinary actions remain undisclosed beyond the department’s statement.

Video footage was captured by a camera mounted in the vehicle driven by the officer who fired the shot. The footage, which ran for approximately 35 seconds, does not show the officer pulling the trigger, but rather displays the triggering event and the immediate aftermath. The dashcam’s lack of audio means that Chief Harris provided a narrative explanation in a separate release.

Law enforcement officials have advised that the department is cooperating fully with the investigation, responding to inquiries from media outlets about the identities of the officers and the specific sanctions imposed.

While the preliminary report indicates no malicious intent, officials underscore the seriousness of firearms safety training and the need for officers to maintain strict adherence to protocol, even during routine activities.

The Pasadena Police Department has reiterated that any form of reckless firearms handling will result in immediate disciplinary action, and it will provide further updates as the investigation proceeds.