Full Breakdown
Pasadena Police Officer Wounded in Parking Garage During Unsafe Horseplay
6/12/2026, 4:06:41 AM
Incident Overview
On September 7 2025, a patrol car entered the Pasadena Police Department’s parking garage at 240 Ramona St. Two officers were standing beside a police SUV. One officer drew his handgun, pointed it at the approaching vehicle, and re-holstered it. The officer inside the patrol car then drew his service weapon; the firearm discharged, the bullet pierced the windshield and struck the standing officer’s left shoulder. The injured officer recovered and remains on active duty. The department classified the event as an officer-involved shooting and released dash-cam footage on June 11 2026.
Background & Context
California law mandates that audio-visual recordings of police shootings be released within 45 days, but Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris invoked a statutory exception, citing the need to protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation. The department’s policies prohibit “horseplay” with loaded firearms; Harris labeled the incident “unsafe, out-of-policy horseplay.”
Timeline
- Sept 7 2025: Shooting occurs in the garage.
- Sept 2025 – June 2026: Internal administrative investigation completed; disciplinary action taken.
- June 11 2026: Dash-cam video released to the public.
- June 2026: Officer Roy Alatorre, identified as the shooter, is terminated and separates from the city.
- Ongoing: Criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and a force review by the California Police Officers Standards and Training (POST).
Key Figures & Groups
- Gene Harris: Pasadena Police Chief.
- Roy Alatorre: Officer who discharged his weapon; terminated.
- Injured officer: Unnamed, recovered from shoulder wound.
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office: Conducting criminal review.
- California POST: Informed of the incident.
- Victor Gordo: Pasadena Mayor.
Data & Statistics
- Roy Alatorre’s 2024 compensation totaled $271,000 (salary $181,000 plus overtime and benefits).
- The bullet traveled through the patrol car’s windshield before striking the officer’s shoulder.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Harris described the episode as “unsafe and out-of-policy horseplay involving loaded firearms,” emphasized a zero-tolerance stance, and noted the injured officer’s recovery. He explained the video delay as necessary to preserve investigative integrity and confirmed that Alatorre was fired. Mayor Gordo called the conduct “unacceptable” and endorsed the chief’s disciplinary actions. The District Attorney’s Office indicated it has not yet received a formal report from Pasadena police.
Criticism & Opposition
NBC News has requested the names of the officers involved and details of the disciplinary measures, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency. The delayed release of the video, despite statutory deadlines, has drawn scrutiny from media and community observers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The dash-cam footage does not capture the moment the firearm discharged, leaving the exact trigger action undocumented. The injured officer’s identity remains undisclosed. The District Attorney’s Office reports not receiving a report, creating a gap in the public record of the criminal investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Horseplay and/or failure to adhere to safety rules and standards of professional conduct will not be tolerated,” — Gene Harris, Pasadena Police Chief
- “The wounded officer has recovered from his injuries,” — Gene Harris
- “The delay was necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and allow investigators to complete essential investigative steps,” — Gene Harris
- “On Thursday, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo said of the video, “This type of unprofessional behavior is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.” — Victor Gordo, Pasadena Mayor
- “unsafe and out-of-policy horseplay involving loaded firearms.” — Gene Harris
- “This regretful conduct is not consistent with the expectations and service commitments of this department, and appropriate actions will be taken to ensure our culture reflects appropriate conduct, values and service to this community,” — Gene Harris
Why It Matters / Impact
The incident underscores challenges in enforcing firearm safety protocols within law-enforcement agencies and raises questions about compliance with transparency statutes. Public confidence in police accountability may be affected by perceived delays and incomplete disclosures.
What’s Next
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office continues its criminal investigation, while POST conducts a force review. Potential outcomes include criminal charges, additional departmental reforms, and policy revisions regarding firearm handling and video-release procedures.
