The Pasadena Police Department in California has unveiled startling video footage from an incident on September 7, 2025, where one officer seemingly shot another by accident. This unexpected event has drawn significant attention due to the bizarre circumstances surrounding it.
Chief Gene Harris addressed the gravity of the situation, labeling it a “suspected accidental officer-involved shooting.” He elaborated that the incident stemmed from officers indulging in reckless behavior, specifically engaging in horseplay with loaded firearms, which was against department policies. Fortunately, the officer who sustained injuries has since made a full recovery.
The released footage captures a tense sequence of events. Initially, an officer is seen drawing his weapon and aiming it at a vehicle that is approaching him. He then returns the gun to his holster. However, the scene takes a dramatic turn as a puff of smoke suddenly appears, a bullet shatters the windshield of the vehicle, and the officer who had just holstered his weapon reacts as if he has been shot.
This incident has raised concerns about the adherence to safety protocols within the department and has prompted a thorough review of training and conduct standards to prevent future occurrences.
In the video footage, an officer draws his weapon, points it toward a vehicle that approached him, then places the gun back in his holster. But then suddenly on the footage there’s a puff of smoke, a hole gets blown in the vehicle’s windshield, and the officer who had just re-holstered his gun can be seen reacting after apparently being shot.
“As seen in the video, one officer drove toward the other officers who were standing next to another police vehicle. One of the standing officers, inappropriately, and in a quick draw fashion, drew his firearm from his holster and pointed it at the officer seated in the approaching unit. After a few seconds, he re-holstered the gun,” the chief explained.
Screenshot of Pasadena Police Department Chief Gene Harris from video issued by the Pasadena Police Department regarding a shooting incident. (Screenshot from Pasadena Police Department video)
The officer in the vehicle then drew his gun in the driver’s seat and pointed it at the fellow officer, the chief stated.
“During this interaction, the driving officer’s firearm discharged striking the front windshield of his police vehicle and subsequently the left shoulder of the officer that was standing outside,” Harris noted.
“As additional evidence is collected and reviewed, our understanding of the incident may evolve,” he said. “While the criminal investigation and force review are pending, the administrative investigation has been completed and disciplinary measures taken.”
An officer was shot moments after pointing his weapon at another officer who approached in a vehicle (Screenshot from video issued by Pasadena Police Department)
“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,” he noted.
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