On Friday, May 8, 2020, at approximately 3:35 p.m., Pasadena Police Department personnel were in the area of Walnut Street and Meridith Avenue when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage for a vehicle code violation. Lloyd Nelson Jr., the 47-year-old male driver and solo occupant of the vehicle failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Nelson drove recklessly through city streets, and officers discontinued their direct pursuit while the Pasadena Police helicopter monitored the suspect from above.
The dramatic video from multiple cameras shows Nelson firing two shots directly at an officer from the windscreen of his car. He then gets out and continues to fire at officers when the suspect was struck.
The pursuit was ended through the use of a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) at Corson Street and Allen Avenue, resulting in the death of the suspect and one officer sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.
The Pasadena police officer who sustained a shot to his leg as a result of the rapidly changing events during the initial shooting was likely hit by one of their own during the ensuing encounter with Nelson. He is recovering well, Chief Perez said on Tuesday.
Detectives responded to the scene and immediately commenced an investigation, scouring the area for witnesses and evidence. The investigation has revealed that the suspect shot at officers immediately at the conclusion of the vehicle pursuit, resulting in the exchange of gunfire and the suspect’s ultimate death. Three firearms were located inside of the vehicle driven by the suspect.
