Man Carrying Long Rifle in Quiet Pasadena Neighborhood Eludes Police Search

 

[Editor’s note: This story in its original form contained two important errors, due to our inability to reach police spokespersons. The police involved were not SWAT officers, but regular police units. Also, the search began at 7:12 a.m. and not just after 8 a.m., as originally reported.]

Pasadena Police assisted by units from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s and South Pasadena Police Departments searched a large Pasadena townhouse/condominium complex Sunday morning for a man carrying a long rifle who was reportedy seen by multiple residents.

Pasadena Police Lt. John Mercado said the hours-long search did not result in locating the suspect.

A person in the area was detained, Mercado said, but was released after questioning.

Mercado said the search began around 7: 12 a.m. after three residents saw the an unknown white man in his 20’s or 30’s walking through the large complex carrying a rifle. Responding officers immediately set up a containment area.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department supplied an airship initially, until a Pasadena helicopter could arrive on scene, Mercado said.

Officers searched the entire complex without success.

North Orange Grove Boulevard was closed for about two hours and Metro bus service was re-routed around the area.

No injuries were reported, according to the Pasadena Fire Department.