Man Reportedly Suffering Breakdown Crashes Into Cars, Publicly Slashes Himself

Police on Wednesday morning detained a man who was suffering a mental health emergency and possibly under the influence of drugs after he allegedly caused multiple hit and run accidents across Pasadena before running into an office, grabbing scissors and cutting himself.

Pasadena Police Lt. Mark Goodman said police were notified within a matter of minutes about 9:25 a.m. of a hit and run collision at Colorado Boulevard and St. John Avenue, a second such collision at Colorado Boulevard and DeLacey Avenue, and a third hit and run involving an unoccupied Police Department vehicle parked on Walnut Street west of Garfield Avenue.

The suspect vehicle was described as a newer model silver vehicle, Goodman said.

About one minute after the collision with the police vehicle, a silver 2003 Acura four door pulled into the parking lot of the Automobile Club of Southern California office located at 801 E. Union Street.

Goodman said a 38-year-old Pasadena resident got out of the car and entered the Auto Club office on foot. The man grabbed a pair of scissors from a desk and began to slash and stab his own left forearm.

The office was evacuated while officers engaged with the man, who was quickly detained, Goodman said.

The man was treated by Pasadena Fire Department personnel and transported to a local hospital.

Investigation revealed that the man was suffering from a mental health emergency and also appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance, Goodman said. He has been admitted to the hospital in stable condition.

According to Goodman there were no additional injuries related to these incidents.

“Our investigations are ongoing, the findings of which will be submitted for consideration by the City Prosecutor’s Office and/or the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution,” he said.

The identity of the man is not currently being released.