2 Men Arrested, Charged in Connection With Christmas Day Shooting in Pasadena

Two suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with a Christmas Day shooting in Pasadena that left a man critically wounded, officials announced Wednesday.

Alberto Esparza, 26, of Pasadena and Victor Zamora Macias, 33, of Alhambra were due to appear in the Pasadena branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday to aswer to attempted murder charges steming from the shooting, which took place about 2:15 p.m. along Wheeler Lane, between Mountain and Hammond streets, according to Pasadena police officials and L.A. County booking records.

Both were arrested as investigators conducted searches of multiple locations on Jan. 14, Pasadena police said in a written statement.

They’re accused of shooting and critically wounding a 35-year-old man, who was found outside a nearby fire station before being rushed to a hospital for treatment, authorities said.

“Preliminarily, it was learned the victim had walked into the alley moments before being shot by the suspect(s),” according to the police statement. “During their investigation, detectives established several investigative leads and, through their diligent efforts, were able to identify persons of interest who were likely responsible for the shooting.”

No information regarding a motive in the shooting has been released.

Bail for Esparza was set at $1.5 million, while bail for Macias was set at $2 million, records show.

Anyone with information on the case can reach the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.