Gunman Eludes Police Blocks from Mayoral Forum

A gunshot fired in La Pintoresca Park at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday brought a large police presence to a Northwest Pasadena neighborhood as mayoral candidates and citizens had gathered for a forum at First AME Pasadena Church only a few blocks away.

A mile and a half to the south, Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez and District 5 Councilmember Victor Gordo spoke to an anxious crowd at Villa-Parke Community Center tonight about this week’s murder in that park, even as police searched for last night’s suspect.

The suspect was not found after hours of searching by police. No victims were found.

Officers were in the vicinity conducting a traffic stop when they heard a single shot, Lt. Tracey Ibarra, and were at the scene so quickly they saw a suspect fleeing.

The shooter sped away on a bicycle, Chief Sanchez said, as officer pursued on foot. The officer saw the chrome plating on the handgun glinting as he gave gave chase.

The suspect eventually outsped the officer, ditched his bike and disappeared in the 1400 block of Summit Avenue.

A containment in place was activated for the area of Washington Boulevard to the south, Grandview Avenue to the north, Raymond Avenue to the west and Marengo Avenue to the east.

Police, using a helicopter and dogs, searched for about four hours before reopening the area at 10:14 p.m.

The suspect is reported to be a black male, approximately 6 feet tall, wearing a black shirt, tan shorts and tennis shoes. Anyone with any knowledge of the suspect should call the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241.