A Pasadena Police Department officer accidentally shot a fellow officer during what authorities describe as a 'horseplay incident' in the department's parking garage on Sept. 7, according to video footage released by the department and statements from Police Chief Gene Harris.
The 35-second dashcam video shows two officers smiling and leaning against the back of a police SUV before one drives toward them in another vehicle. As the approaching car gets closer, one officer is seen drawing his weapon from his holster in what Harris described as 'quick-draw fashion' and pointing it toward the incoming unit.
Background
"One of the standing officers inappropriately and in quick-draw fashion drew his firearm from his holster and pointed it at the officer seated in the approaching unit," Harris said in a statement accompanying the video release. The shooting officer then re-holstered his weapon as the vehicle approached.
Seconds later, according to Harris's narration of the silent footage, "the driving officer's firearm discharged, striking the front windshield of the police vehicle and subsequently the left shoulder of the officer that was standing out."
The video captures what appears as a puff of smoke as the wounded officer grabs his shoulder and is quickly surrounded by colleagues. The footage does not show the moment the trigger was pulled, as it was recorded from inside the vehicle driven by the officer who fired the shot.
The Investigation
"The wounded officer has recovered from his injuries," Harris stated. Both officers involved in the incident have been disciplined, though Harris did not identify them by name or rank. "Horseplay and failure to adhere to safety rules and standards of professional conduct will not be tolerated," he said.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has opened a criminal investigation into what authorities are calling a friendly fire incident. NBC News has reached out to the department requesting the names of the officers involved and details about the disciplinary actions taken.
Key Takeaways
- The shooting occurred Sept. 7 in the Pasadena Police Department's parking garage during an apparent horseplay incident between two officers
- Dashcam video shows one officer drawing his weapon in 'quick-draw fashion' before the other officer's gun accidentally discharged
- The wounded officer was struck in the left shoulder and has since recovered from injuries
- Both officers have been disciplined; their names have not been released
- The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is conducting a criminal investigation into the friendly fire shooting
What's Next
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed as authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The Pasadena Police Department has not indicated when it expects the investigation to conclude or whether additional disciplinary measures may be taken beyond those already imposed.