Here is a statement from Police Chief Sanchez with some information about the incident.
Dear Community Members and Department Personnel:
On Saturday, July 12, 2014, at about 4:20 p.m. the Pasadena Police Department received several 9-1-1 calls from residents reporting shots fired in the 1700 block of Summit Avenue. On arrival, the initial officer observed a victim down on the sidewalk and attempted to render aid when he came under heavy and sustained gunfire from the suspect. Following the killing of the victims and the brazen attack on the officer, the suspect barricaded himself in a home on Summit Avenue. Pasadena Police officers quickly contained the area.
During the standoff, the suspect, JOHN IZEAL SMITH, Black Male, 40’s, called the police department’s communication center and spoke with an Emergency Services Operator. The suspect later surrendered to Pasadena SWAT officers without further incident after an tense dialogue with the operator. Through the nearly hour-long ordeal, Pasadena Police officers never returned gunfire at the suspect. In the end, five victims were shot. Three were murdered and two received moderate injuries. SMITH was transported to the Pasadena jail and booked for several felony charges including murder.
Pasadena Police detectives responded to the incident and started their investigation. The Los Angeles county District Attorney’s Office, Crimes Against Police Officers (CAPO) also responded to assist with our investigation.
The shooting on Summit Avenue was an isolated, tragic and horrific incident. The suspect willfully murdered and injured innocent people without warning as he fired more than 40 rounds from a semi-automatic rifle. However, the courage of our dispatchers, police officers, fire fighters and community members who valiantly tried to help the victims is impressive and speaks to resolve of our community. Please take a moment to say a prayer for everyone impacted by this senseless crime.
Sincerely,
Phillip L. Sanchez, Chief of Police
Pasadena Police Department
207 N. Garfield Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101
Office: (626) 744-4545 | Email: psanchez@cityofpasadena.net
Mission First, People Always