Police Chief Asks For Independent Review of Shooting

Pasadena Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez today asked the Office of Independent Review Group to conduct its own investigation into Saturday’s fatal shooting of Kendrec Lavelle McDade, 20, of Azusa by Pasadena police officers responding to an armed robbery radio call, authorities said in a press release.

The release said that Sanchez has contacted the Office of Independent Review Group, a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department watchdog agency which is under the direction of Michael Gennaco. Gennaco has been investigating police incidents for the past 10 years.

Earlier, Chief Sanchez met privately with a small group of local clergy, civil rights leaders and one journalist. He told the group of the request directed towards the Office of Independent Review Group, but revealed no new information about the shooting itself.

Police say detectives have reviewed a video recording that captured events related to this incident. The police department has also reviewed audio recordings, including 911 tapes associated with the initial calls into the Pasadena Police Department.

Additionally, individuals are continuing to be interviewed by Pasadena Police detectives, authorities say.

As part of the officer involved shooting review the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Officer Involved Shooting team was contacted by the Pasadena Police Department in the early stages of the investigation. The District Attorney’s Office, OIS team responded to the incident and will conduct their independent review over the next few months.