Two Shot At La Pintoresca Park on Monday Night

A man and woman were shot when a barrage of gunfire erupted at La Pintoresca Park in Pasadena late Monday, authorities said.

The incident took place about 7:50 p.m. at the park, where a memorial to 32-year-old Anthony McClain has been set up since he was killed in a police shooting in front of the park on Aug. 15.

Police received reports of 20 to 30 gunshots fired, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Russo said.

Responding officers encountered a wounded man in his 30s inside of a car a few blocks away at Mountain Street and Sunset Avenue, according to the lieutenant.

A second victim, described as a woman in her 40s, was brought to nearby Pasadena Fire Department Station 36 at Fair Oaks Avenue and Hammond Street, he said.

Both gunshot victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries, but were initially expected to survive, Russo said.

No further details, including a suspect description, were available as the investigation remained in its early stages.

Pasadena Now received a report of a late-model gray sedan speeding away from the scene after the shooting.

Earlier this month, police officials told Pasadena Now there has been an increasing number of calls for service at the park and a nearby memorial dedicated to a man shot and killed by an officer.

Officers have been called to La Pintoresca Park and a nearby memorial for Anthony McClain 40 times since McClain was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Aug. 15, including one incident on Sept. 5 in which a woman was pistol-whipped by an unknown assailant.

Pasadena Police Chief John Perez is expected to offer an update on incidents of gun violence and the increasing number of guns confiscated this year at a meeting of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

In late August, Perez said his department had confiscated 211 guns in the first 240 days of 2020.

“This year has been a challenge for all of us in the community to reduce illegal gun possession and stop street violence,” Perez told Pasadena Now on Sunday. 

“I worry every day for our young people,” the chief continued. “We suffered two tragic OISs [officer-involved shootings], but the community should be proud of the overall approach by our officers, with over 200 guns seized from cars and waistbands. Prevention is our first priority, but it is difficult without enforcement measures as well. It should be the community’s top priority.”

Gun violence incidents this year have already surpassed such incidents in 2019, according to the PSC staff report.  

Including last night’s shooting there have been 59 victims in 27 shooting incidents in 2020. By comparison, last year there were 12 victims, according to a staff report in the Public Safety Committee’s agenda. 

Anyone with information can reach Pasadena police at (626) 744-4241. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

André Coleman contributed to this story

See also:

Police Concerned About Crime at McClain Memorial, Nearby Park