Police Chief Denies Alleged Assault By White Commander on Black Officer Ever Occurred

Screenshot of Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris in a video issued Thursday, December 21, 2023. [Courtesy Pasadena Police Dept.]

On Thursday, Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris categorically denied allegations that a Black officer was assaulted by a white member of his command staff. The allegation was made at a Dec. 13 press conference by a lawyer representing the officer, who has lodged a claim against the City.

According to Officer Jarvis Shelby’s attorney, Brad Gage, a police commander placed Shelby in a headlock in August, resulting in serious injuries.

“If Black police officers are threatened or physically assaulted, what does that mean for members of the community?” Gage asked rhetorically. According to Shelby’s claim, no discipline was meted out to the commander.

Chief Harris, who is Black, called Gage’s allegation “egregious.”

“A thorough investigation was conducted and completed before the claim was filed. I will state unequivocally that there was no assault or violence perpetrated on or by any member of this police department,” Chief Harris said in a video release.

“I take any complaints of assault or violence seriously, and I will not tolerate an internal culture of assault or violence,” Chief Harris said.

According to Gage, Shelby has been subjected to racial slurs from those within the Pasadena Police Dept.

Gage alleged that Shelby’s training officers made various negative and derogatory comments about him and to him.

Shelby was allegedly told multiple times that he needs to be better than others because he is Black and that he is not good enough because he is Black, Gage alleged.

Harris concluded by saying “I look forward to the legal process and appropriate venue where we will present all of the facts related to the claim.”

Gage also represents another Black Pasadena Police Officer, Taisyn Crutchfield.

Crutchfield was placed on administrative leave with pay in February after an incident in which she claimed she was attempting to de-escalate a tense situation on Marengo Avenue near the Police headquarters when she pushed a fellow officer.