Friday’s Shooting Not Related to Recent Spike in Gang Violence

A gang interventionist working with the City told Pasadena Now on Sunday that a shooting on Friday is not connected to a recent uptick in gang violence.

Five victims were wounded after a fight and shooting reported at 7:33 p.m. on Friday, according to Pasadena police. 

There has been an increase in tensions within and between local gangs since early July necessitating a significant increase for gang violence outreach and interruption services due to the release of individuals from corrections facilities and younger people seeking to build credibility with older gang members. 

Lieutenant Monica Cuellar reported that police received 911 calls reporting gunshots at about the same time officers received a ShotSpotter alert of four gunshots in the area of the 100 block of East Orange Grove Boulevard. 

Police arrived on the scene very quickly and found five victims, Cuellar said.

The Pasadena Fire Department transported four victims to a local hospital for treatment. A fifth victim self-transported. 

The extent of the victims’ wounds remains unknown at this time. The victims’ identities have not been released.

Based on 911 calls, Cuellar said, there was a fight that likely escalated with gunfire. 

“Friday’s shooting is not related to the recent increase in violence. Unfortunately, no matter how many preventive measures we as a community put in place it’s not realistic to predict and/or control every possible incident,” said Ricky Pickens. 

Pickens and his team provides gang outreach and violence interruption services. 

“The obvious is, there are still  underlying factors that make communities vulnerable at times to gun violence.

“What we can expect is our collective efforts will continue to reduce the frequency of this type of violence. Addressing the root causes of gun and gang violence, and restoring hope back in our neighborhoods will break this cycle. Hope is the cure to violence.”

“We are fortunate that in these recent incidents there’s no loss of life.”