Pasadena, California — A Southern California police department has released video footage showing the moment a police officer accidentally shot a fellow officer during what officials described as inappropriate horseplay involving loaded firearms.
The Pasadena Police Department publicly released the footage on June 10, shedding new light on an incident that occurred months earlier inside a department parking structure. While the officer who was injured has since recovered, the case remains under investigation by both local authorities and prosecutors.
Video Shows Moments Before Officer Was Shot
According to the Pasadena Police Department, the incident took place on September 7, 2025, at a police parking structure located on Ramona Street in Pasadena.
Officials said the shooting involved department personnel and resulted in injuries to one officer.
The video released by the department is less than a minute long but captures the alarming sequence of events. In the footage, one officer appears to point a firearm toward another officer who is seated inside a police vehicle.
Moments later, the officer visible on camera is seen clutching his arm and collapsing toward the ground in apparent pain after the firearm discharges.
Other officers immediately rush toward the injured officer to provide assistance.
Police Chief Calls Incident ‘Unsafe’
Before the footage was shown, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris addressed the incident in a recorded statement. Harris strongly criticized the actions seen in the video and emphasized that the behavior violated department policies.
“Unsafe and out of policy horseplay involving loaded firearms.”
The police chief also confirmed that the officer who was wounded in the incident has fully recovered from his injuries.
“The wounded officer has recovered from his injuries.”
The department has not released additional details regarding the nature of the injury beyond confirming the officer survived and recovered.
Why the Video Was Released Now
Officials explained that the footage was made public in accordance with California transparency laws governing officer-involved shootings.
However, the release was delayed for several months to avoid interfering with the investigative process.
According to the department, investigators needed additional time to complete critical investigative steps and preserve the integrity of the case before making the footage public.
The delayed release follows a growing trend among law enforcement agencies to provide public access to body camera, dash camera, and officer-involved incident footage after key portions of investigations have been completed.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Authorities stressed that the case remains under active review.
According to the department, investigators continue to examine multiple forms of evidence, including video recordings, witness interviews, forensic findings, and other relevant materials.
The incident is also being reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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As of now, officials have not publicly identified either officer involved in the incident.
The department also has not disclosed whether any officers have been placed on administrative leave or subjected to disciplinary action while the investigation continues.
Questions Remain as Review Continues
Although the video provides a glimpse into what happened that day, several important questions remain unanswered.
Investigators have not yet released findings explaining exactly how the firearm discharged or whether criminal charges or internal disciplinary measures could result from the incident.
For now, officials say the investigation remains active as authorities work to determine all the facts surrounding the accidental shooting.
The release of the footage has drawn attention to firearm safety protocols within law enforcement agencies and the potential consequences of mishandling loaded weapons, even among trained professionals.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Should stronger disciplinary measures apply when firearm safety policies are violated, even if no one is killed? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
