After a Pasadena police officer accidentally shot a fellow officer in a parking garage, an internal inquiry initially revealed it to be a case of reckless behavior described by the police chief as “horseplay.” However, fresh evidence from a witness has prompted a renewed investigation, leading to the suspension of several officers, as announced by the police chief on Monday.
Recently, the department released dashcam footage from a police cruiser that captured the incident, which occurred in September. The video shows one officer drawing his weapon and pointing it towards a marked police car, moments before being shot by another officer through the windshield. Following this, Police Chief Gene Harris described the actions of the officers involved as “unsafe and out-of-policy horseplay.”
Fresh Evidence and New Investigations
In an update provided to the press, Chief Harris revealed that a witness has come forward with new information since the video was released. This prompted the opening of a new investigation based on the documentation received recently. The chief emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that several officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this ongoing inquiry.
Historically, Harris had withheld the release of the shooting video for nearly nine months, invoking a legal clause to keep it under wraps due to the ongoing investigation. The footage, which had been kept confidential, shows the tense moments just before the shooting incident transpired.
The video begins around 6:18 PM on September 7, 2025, and displays two uniformed officers standing near a police SUV in the parking garage when an approaching cruiser enters the frame. The officer positioned at the rear of the SUV raises his weapon, aiming it at the cruiser, a move the chief later condemned as inappropriate. Following this act, the officer reholstered his firearm and appeared to engage in light banter with his colleague.
Consequences and Public Reactions
Subsequent to the officer’s actions, the officer driving the cruiser reportedly drew his own gun and, during the ensuing exchange, his weapon accidentally discharged, resulting in injuries to one of the officers in the garage. Video evidence indicates that shortly after the officer reholstered his weapon, a sudden disturbance occurs, causing dust to cloud the scene as the injured officer clutches his shoulder in distress.
Chief Harris confirmed that although the officer suffered serious injuries, he has since made a recovery. He added that the officer involved in the shooting, Roy Alatorre, is no longer with the department, and this incident has been handed over to the district attorney’s office for further review to determine if any criminal activity took place.
Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo addressed the incident, expressing his strong disapproval of the officers’ behavior, stating that such unprofessional conduct is intolerable. He expressed confidence in the police chief’s commitment to a thorough investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures. Chief Harris characterized the event as “regretful” and not representative of the standards expected within the police department.
