City Worker Accidentally Runs Over Sleeping Man in Pasadena’s Central Park, Police Say

A Pasadena city employee driving a municipal truck through Central Park unintentionally struck a man sleeping on the grass late Friday morning, causing major injuries, according to Pasadena Police Lieutenant Anthony Russo.

Lt. Russo reported that the incident occurred around 10:55 a.m. on July 4 in Central Park, located at 200 South Raymond Avenue.

The 28-year-old driver was operating a city truck to service trash receptacles when he failed to see the victim, a 40-year-old man described as a transient who had been sleeping in the park over the past several weeks, Russo said.

“The driver was moving slowly toward a trash bin when he inadvertently struck the man’s upper torso,” Russo explained. A witness in the park noticed the incident and alerted the driver, who immediately stopped the vehicle, called 911, and notified his supervisor.

Pasadena fire and police personnel responded quickly to the scene. Paramedics transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries including broken bones and lacerations.

“He is expected to survive,” Russo confirmed.

The driver remained at the scene, cooperated fully with investigators, and was released without arrest.

“He didn’t realize he had struck someone until a witness waved him down,” Russo said. “The victim was just taking a nap.”

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visitinghttp://lacrimestoppers.org