Pasadena Police Chief Identifies Officer Involved in McClain Shooting

Pasadena Police Chief John Perez on Thursday released the name of the officer who used deadly force in the officer-involved shooting of Anthony McClain.

According to the statement, Officer Edwin Dumaguindin has been with the Pasadena Police Department for two years. 

At the time of the incident, Officer Dumaguindin was not, nor has he ever been assigned to the Police Department’s Special Enforcement Section.

A second police officer also at the scene has not been identified.  

McClain was fatally shot after police stopped the car in which he was riding at about 7:53 p.m. on Aug. 15 on North Raymond Avenue near La Pintoresca Park because the vehicle did not have a front license plate.

The driver cooperated with police, but things took a turn for the worse when McClain fled and Dumaguindin fired two shots, including one which hit McClain in the upper torso.

A gun was recovered at the scene and is undergoing forensic analysis, police said.

“All employers are expected to protect their employees from any threats of violence and is the reason Chief Perez worked to protect the officer’s identity,” a statement by the department reads. “This incident is undoubtedly a tragic situation both for the McClain family and the officers involved. However, Chief Perez has determined now is an appropriate time to reveal the officer’s name in order to prevent any further dangerous and/or false rumors.”

The officer was incorrectly identified shortly after the incident and later in court papers. The officer erroneously identified as part of the incident later received death threats according to the police statement.

“There has been much speculation and numerous negative comments both in the local media as well as postings on social media which caused significant concern for the involved officer’s safety,” the statement reads. “These posts and comments were initially directed at an incorrectly identified officer and included a post that brazenly stated the officer “needs to die.” 

Chief Perez and the Pasadena Police Department asked for the community’s cooperation to allow thorough and complete investigations into this incident. We intend to provide all information to the public that is legally allowed, and will do so in a timely manner.