In Wake of Shootings, Pasadena Police, Backed by Other Agencies, Launch Raids This Morning

SWAT vehicle and law enforcement on Adena Street Friday morning shortly after surrounding a residence and taking a man into custody.

 

The Pasadena Police Department coordinated and executed a series of raids this morning in Pasadena and neighboring communities in response to the epidemic of shootings that has shaken parts of the community in recent months.

The raids were launched in conjunction with a number of other law enforcement agencies, reportedly including the Glendale Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The operations reportedly began shortly before 4 a.m. according to witnesses.

Pasadena Chief of Police Phillip Sanchez confirmed Friday afternoon that “following the recent shootings in our community the Pasadena Police Department coordinated a multi-jurisdictional enforcement effort consisting of more than 100 law enforcement officers who served multiple search warrants at a variety of locations in the City of Pasadena and the County of Los Angeles.”

Witnesses reported flash-bang grenade explosions at two residential locations in Pasadena this morning, one on North El Sereno Avenue and a second on Adena Street between North Los Robles Avenue and North Garfield Avenue — a very short distance from where a reputed gang member allegedly shot at police on April 8.

The witnesses said that SWAT vehicles, K-9 police dogs and a helicopter were involved in the raid on Adena Street. The witnesses said they saw a young Latino man in white tank top and white boxer shorts being taken into custody at that location.

One witness said there were at least 20 officers at that location during the raid.

Chief Sanchez said today  that “the Pasadena Police Department will continue to be proactive in its efforts to mitigate crime in our community and we will enlist the assistance of local, state and federal agencies as necessary.”

Police have not yet reported any arrests or gun seizures as the results of the raids. Information reportedly is being prepared at this time.

“The community of Pasadena plays an important role in public safety by notifying the Pasadena Police Department of suspicious circumstances in their neighborhood,” Chief Sanchez said.