Pasadena Police Took 29 Guns Off The Streets In January

According to statistics released by the Pasadena Police Department during a community briefing last Friday, the year is starting out how it ended, with police taking guns off the street.

In January, Pasadena police recovered 29 guns, according to the report.

“We have begun the New Year recovering almost a gun a day,” said Lt. William Grisafe. “If we continue at this rate, we will seize more than 300 guns in 2021…. which will exceed the record numbers we hit last year.  This is not a goal the Police Department looks to break.”

Last year, police took more than 200 guns off the streets.

Grisafe said that, ideally, prevention and intervention are the preferred routes in dealing with guns.

“Prevention and intervention to minimize the number of those in our community who feel the need to carry guns illegally… prevention from purchasing ghost guns and intervention to prevent the senseless gun violence,” Grisafe said. “With an increase in prevention and intervention, there will be a decrease in the need for police enforcement.   

As usual, many of the weapons were recovered during traffic stops.

On Jan.3, officers attempted to stop a vehicle near Hammond Street and Sunset Avenue for a vehicle code violation. After a short pursuit, the driver was detained, along with the passenger. During the search of the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded firearm and narcotics leading to the arrest of both the driver and passenger.

The next day, officers patrolling the area of Glen Avenue and Tremont Street conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle after observing a traffic violation. The driver was unlicensed and admitted to possessing a firearm inside of his vehicle.

Grisafe said every time someone chooses to illegally obtain a weapon, the likelihood of a violent encounter in the community increases.

Last week, Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, a coalition of 46 prosecutors co-founded by Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer, urged President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to take action against gun violence.

“The Biden/Harris administration has a historic opportunity to tackle this emergency,” said Feuer, who co-chairs the coalition with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr.

“Steps that build on the consensus to keep guns away from criminals, kids, and people in the throes of mental health crises would go a long way toward protecting our nation’s families,” Feuer said.