Pasadena Police Officer Shot by Colleague During ‘Horseplay’ Incident Involving Loaded Firearms
A disturbing incident involving members of the Pasadena Police Department has sparked widespread concern after newly released video footage showed a police officer being seriously injured when a fellow officer discharged a loaded firearm during what authorities described as “horseplay.”
The shooting occurred on September 7, 2025, inside a department parking structure in Pasadena, California. According to officials, several officers were engaging in unsafe behavior with loaded firearms before beginning their shifts when one officer accidentally shot a colleague.
The incident, which remained under investigation for months, gained renewed attention after critical incident footage was released publicly on June 10, 2026.
Video Captures Moments Before Pasadena Officer Is Shot
The video, recorded on a mobile phone, shows officers interacting inside the police department’s parking facility around 6:20 p.m.
Footage reportedly captures one officer pointing a firearm at another officer who was arriving in a vehicle. After the officer visible in the recording appears to secure his weapon, the officer inside the vehicle suddenly fires a shot.
The bullet traveled through the vehicle’s windshield before striking the other officer in the left shoulder, causing serious injuries.
Authorities described the shooting as preventable and linked it directly to unsafe conduct involving loaded weapons.
Police Chief Calls Conduct ‘Unacceptable’
Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris addressed the incident in a critical incident video released by the department.
According to Harris, the shooting was not the result of a law enforcement operation or confrontation with a suspect. Instead, it stemmed from officers engaging in reckless behavior before reporting for duty.
“The shooting resulted from officers engaged in unsafe and out-of-policy horseplay involving loaded firearms,” Harris stated.
The chief strongly condemned the actions of those involved, emphasizing that such behavior violated department policies and endangered lives.
Harris also said the department remains committed to ensuring officers follow safety protocols and maintain professional standards both on and off duty.
Administrative Investigation Leads to Discipline
Following the shooting, Pasadena police launched an internal administrative investigation to determine how the incident occurred and whether department policies were violated.
Chief Harris confirmed that disciplinary action was taken against those involved. However, officials have not publicly disclosed the specific measures imposed, nor have they revealed whether any officers were suspended, reassigned, or placed on administrative leave.
The department has cited personnel privacy laws as a factor limiting what information can be released publicly.
Criminal Investigation Still Ongoing
While the administrative review has concluded, the criminal investigation remains active.
The case is currently being examined by both the Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Investigators are reviewing evidence, witness statements, and the circumstances surrounding the firearm discharge to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
No charging decisions have been announced at this time.
Public Reaction to the Incident
The release of the video has generated strong reactions from community members and law enforcement observers alike.
Many have expressed concern over officers handling loaded weapons in a careless manner, particularly within a professional law enforcement environment where firearm safety is expected to be paramount.
The footage has also reignited discussions about accountability, training standards, and the importance of strict adherence to firearm safety procedures within police departments across the country.
Firearm Safety Under Scrutiny
Law enforcement agencies routinely train officers on firearm handling, emphasizing the fundamental rules of gun safety, including never pointing a weapon at someone unless deadly force is justified.
The Pasadena incident highlights the potentially devastating consequences when those standards are ignored.
Experts note that even experienced officers can face tragic outcomes when safety protocols are not followed consistently.
As investigations continue, the case is likely to remain a significant example cited in discussions about officer conduct, workplace professionalism, and firearm safety within law enforcement agencies.
What Happens Next?
Authorities have not provided a timeline for when the criminal investigation will conclude. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will ultimately determine whether any criminal charges will be filed against the officer who fired the weapon.
Meanwhile, Pasadena police officials say they will continue evaluating department practices to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The release of the video serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with mishandling firearms and the importance of maintaining professionalism at all times, especially among those entrusted with public safety.
FAQ
Where did the Pasadena police shooting incident occur?
The shooting took place inside a Pasadena Police Department parking structure in Pasadena, California, on September 7, 2025.
How was the officer injured?
The officer was struck in the left shoulder after another officer fired a loaded weapon during what officials described as horseplay involving firearms.
Was the shooting intentional?
Authorities have characterized the incident as resulting from unsafe horseplay rather than an intentional attack, though the criminal investigation remains ongoing.
What did Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris say?
Chief Harris called the officers’ actions “unacceptable” and stated that the shooting resulted from unsafe and out-of-policy behavior involving loaded firearms.
Are any officers facing discipline?
Yes. The department confirmed disciplinary measures were taken following an administrative investigation, though specific details have not been released.
Is the case still under investigation?
Yes. The Pasadena Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the incident.