Pasadena officer fired after joking around ends in accidental shooting

Pasadena police in California released body camera and vehicle footage showing a serious shooting incident between two officers in the department parking lot at 240 Ramona Street. According to Police Chief Gene Harris, the episode began at 6:18 p.m. as patrol officers were loading gear for a shift.

The video shows a police vehicle pulling up to two officers standing outside another patrol car. One of the officers outside suddenly drew his weapon and pointed it at the officer seated inside the vehicle, in what the department said was improper and unsafe horseplay. The officer in the driver’s seat then drew his own gun and fired one round through the windshield, striking the other officer in the left shoulder.

Other officers rushed over and gave medical help after the wounded officer fell to the ground. Harris called the incident “regrettable behavior” and said that “horseplay or failure to follow safety rules and professional conduct standards will not be tolerated.” The officer who fired the shot, Roy Allatura, was fired. The injured officer has since recovered and returned to work.

Although the administrative investigation is complete, the case is still being investigated by Pasadena police homicide and robbery detectives and reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The video was released only after a delay, because Harris used his authority to hold it back beyond California’s 45-day release requirement so the investigation would not be compromised. Harris said the episode did not reflect the department’s expectations or commitment to community service, and that steps were taken to ensure the organization’s culture reflects proper values.