Police Responding to Report of Armed Man in Pasadena Encounter 12-Year-Old Boy With BB Gun

A potential tragedy was averted Tuesday when police responded to a report of a man brandishing a gun in a Pasadena neighborhood, but ultimately found a 12-year-old boy who had been playing with a realistic-looking BB gun, authorities said.

The incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon in the area of Sunset Avenue and Pepper Street, Pasadena Police Department Lt. William Grisafe said.

“PPD received a call of a male seen with a handgun in the area,” he said. “Officers responded to the area as a witness provided them updates that the man was holding the gun in his hand and his waistband.”

Upon arriving, the officers saw someone emerge from behind an apartment building, according to the lieutenant.

The person, determined to be a 12-year-old boy, admitted he had been handling a BB gun and directed them to the place where he had dropped it, he said.

“The recovered gun is not distinguishable as either an authentic firearm or a BB gun,” Grisafe said. “This could have had tragic results had the minor not discarded the gun and instead decided to retain possession of it.”

Pasadena police have seized more than 200 firearms this year, he said.
“This trend of people carrying guns is likely a result of an increase in violence and sadly, the outcome is not likely to end well,” said Grisafe.

The department released a map indicating the areas where guns have been found this year. In some cases, multiple guns were found at the same location.

One bust resulted in the seizure of more than 40 guns, Grisafe said. More than 20 additional weapons were seized during investigations outside of the city limits.