Bizarre moment California cop shoots his partner in ‘horseplay’

A chaotic “horseplay” incident inside a Pasadena Police Department parking structure ended with one officer accidentally shooting another, according to newly released video and officials.

The shooting happened on Sept. 7, 2025, as officers were preparing to start their shift at the facility at 240 Ramona Street, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris said.

The department confirmed the case stemmed from “unsafe and out-of-policy horseplay involving loaded firearms.”

Footage released Wednesday shows a police vehicle moving through the structure toward a group of officers standing nearby.

In the video, one officer pulls his weapon in a “quick draw fashion” and points it at the approaching car before reholstering it.

Moments later, the officer inside the vehicle also draws his firearm, and it discharges. The bullet pierces the windshield and strikes another officer in the left shoulder.

Authorities said the injured officer has since recovered.

Chief Harris said the department held back the video beyond the 45-day release window required under California law due to serious injuries in the case, using statutory authority to extend the timeline to protect the investigation.

The shooting is still under criminal review by Pasadena Police Department’s robbery homicide and critical performance units, along with investigators from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

An internal administrative investigation has already been completed, and disciplinary action has been taken, Harris confirmed.

“Horseplay and/or failure to adhere to safety rules and standards of professional conduct will not be tolerated,” Harris said.