Homeless Man, Allegedly High on Meth, Fights Pasadena Police Officer

A homeless man possibly under the influence of drugs fought with a Pasadena police officer Sunday in the parking lot of the Vons Market across from Huntington Memorial Hospital before being subdued and arrested. There were no injuries reported.

Pasadena Police Lt. Mark Goodman said the man allegedly stole an item about 2:46 p.m. from the market at 155 West California Boulevard and was detained without incident. The market’s management did wish to pursue the matter, so responding police officer conducted a field interview and released him.

“He was admonished against returning to the location,” Goodman said.

“About 4:45 p.m. the man returned,” Goodman said. “He became aggressive with employees. They called about him causing a disturbance at the location.”

As an arriving officer approached the suspect in front of the market, the suspect began to walk away from the officer, refusing commands to stop, Goodman said.

“At one point, [the suspect] did stop. He turned abruptly to face the officer, and took a fighting stance and threatened the officer verbally,” Goodman said. The officer, believing an altercation was imminent, discharged his Taser at the suspect but the barbs did not penetrate the suspect’s skin and the charge was ineffective.

At that point, Goodman reported, the officer and the suspect fought and the officer was able to control and arrest the suspect.

“It appears the suspect was under the influence of a controlled substance, possibly methamphetamines,” Goodman said.

Neither the officer nor the suspect were injured in the fight.

Arrested was Peter Muñoz, 48, who is homeless reportedly generally frequents Downey. According to booking records, Muñoz was being at the Pasadena jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.