Bodycam footage from a deadly police shooting in Pasadena has been released, revealing the chaotic moments before a suspect was fatally shot by officers. The incident, which happened on April 13, began when Pasadena police confronted 36-year-old Ricardo Guade Andrade, who had parked his car the wrong way on Hudson Avenue near Del Mar Boulevard. According to CBS News Los Angeles, when asked for his driver's license, Andrade did not have one and attempted to flee, nearly hitting an officer with his vehicle in the process.
The subsequent chase ended when Andrade crashed his vehicle into another parked car and fled on foot. While attempting to evade capture, he violently entered two homes. Hiding until police arrived, the first house's homeowners sheltered in bedroom closets as Andrade rummaged for car keys. Then breaking through the rear door of a second home, the homeowners confronted and ran out towards an officer, as reported by CBS News Los Angeles.
The Pasadena Police Department deployed a K9 unit and a helicopter to track Andrade's movements. When cornered in a backyard, Andrade retrieved a handgun as the K9 engaged him. Officers, fearing for their safety, commanded Andrade to raise his hands as they approached. Andrade screamed in agony under the K9’s attack, according to video evidence, and is heard saying he would shoot himself. Police officers opened fire when they spotted the gun, though the video, shared by the Department, does not confirm if Andrade raised the weapon towards them.
The department stated in a briefing video that a spent cartridge was found in Andrade's firearm chamber, though it remains unclear if he fired it during the incident. This case is currently under investigation, with the findings to be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. A Use of Force Hearing will be held later, after which the Chief of Police will determine if the officers involved acted within department policy. The Pasadena Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
Public response to the incident and the released footage has been a mix of support for police efforts to maintain public safety and concern over whether the use of lethal force was necessary. The Pasadena Police Department has encouraged community members to view the Critical Incident Community Briefing video and other related footage for full context of the events surrounding the April 13 officer-involved shooting.
