Police to Deploy More Resources after Shooting

Pasadena police officers canvas the scene after two people were shot in a car-to-car shooting on the 1500 block North Lake just near Howard Street in Pasadena,, Saturday, May 23, 2020. (Photo by James Carbone)

The Pasadena Police Department will deploy additional officers and resources after a Saturday shooting in broad daylight on a major city street, according to a department spokesperson.

“Yesterday’s shooting was tragic and detectives are working tirelessly to determine who is responsible for putting the lives of so many in danger,” said Lt. William Grisafe on Sunday.

According to Grisafe, detectives are investigating if the shooting was gang-related.

Shortly after 4 p.m., two men were critically wounded in a car-to-car shooting in the 1500 block of Lake Avenue.

According to police, the preliminary investigation indicated that two Duarte residents, ages 23 and 24, were stopped in their vehicle when a late-model sedan with at least two people inside pulled up behind them. Someone inside the sedan fired multiple times into men’s vehicle.

Police said on Saturday they did not believe the shooting was random.

Paramedics took both victims to a hospital in critical condition, Lt. Carolyn Gordon said.

One witness to the aftermath of the shooting told Pasadena Now he saw police give CPR to one victim on the sidewalk.

Police closed Lake Avenue between Rio Grande and Elizabeth streets as they investigated the scene.

“There was a car parked in front of the comic book store with its door open but the windows were intact. The first guy was laying on his back next to the car on the sidewalk,” the witness said.

The witness also described hearing five gunshots moments earlier.

The area was reopened about 9 p.m. The investigation is on-going.

“The Police Department is taking steps to prevent any further acts of violence,” Grisafe said. “Additional officers and resources are being deployed to deter such acts and Chief Perez has reached out to numerous community groups to assist in these violence reduction efforts.”

Pasadena Police is urging anyone with information about this case to call the Pasadena Police at (626) 744-4241 or you may report information anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.