Pasadena Police Arrest 19-Year-Old After Foot Pursuit, Recover Loaded ‘Ghost Gun’

A 19-year-old local man was arrested early Saturday after fleeing a traffic stop, discarding a loaded “ghost gun,” and leading police on a short foot pursuit through an apartment complex, Pasadena authorities said.

Charles Towns was taken into custody without incident shortly after 12:05 a.m. on June 28, following the pursuit that began at Fair Oaks Avenue and Walnut Street, according to Pasadena Police Lt. Christopher Kirby.

As officers attempted to stop a vehicle with three occupants, Towns allegedly jumped out and fled. During the chase, he reportedly discarded a black, untraceable handgun that was later recovered by police. The firearm was loaded at the time it was found, Kirby said.

Towns ran approximately one block and entered an apartment complex near Holly Street, behind Memorial Park. Officers quickly established a containment perimeter and located him inside.

He was booked into the Pasadena jail on firearm-related charges.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 20-year-old Carlos Towns, was cited for driving without a license and released at the scene. A third passenger was released with no charges, according to Kirby.

Kirby noted a “significant number” of officers responded due to the area’s size, although an exact count was not provided. No other weapons or contraband were recovered.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241 or provide anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), the “P3 Tips” app, or lacrimestoppers.org.