Detectives were continuing their investigation Tuesday into a shooting incident in Pasadena that resulted in the death of an allegedly armed suspect and the wounding of a police officer.
Officers responded to a 911 call in the area of Sierra Madre Metro Station around 7:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Pasadena Police Department.
Upon arrival, officers found an adult victim suffering from a gunshot wound and immediately rendered medical aid. While police were assessing the scene, additional responding officers observed an individual believed to be the suspect, and a pursuit on foot ensued.
During the chase, the suspect and the officers exchanged gunfire, police said. An officer sustained an injury during the incident, and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial gunshot victim and Officer Bryan Vasquez, a five-year veteran of the Police Department, were transported to a local hospital, police said. Vasquez is currently listed in stable but guarded condition. Information on the wounded adult was not immediately available.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Department on Tuesday identified the deceased suspect as Malcom Buchanan, 32, after family members initially released his name Monday.
A woman who identified herself as Buchanan’s grandmother said he might have stopped taking his mental health medication, ABC7 reported.
“Our officer is out of critical surgery and is stable at this time. We are incredibly grateful to the medical team for their swift and skilled care,” PPD Chief Gene Harris said in a statement. “Our Pasadena Police Department family, along with our extended public safety community, is standing beside his loved ones, supporting them in every way possible. We know this will be a long road to recovery, but we will remain by his side throughout his healing journey for our officer — a dedicated public servant who put his life on the line to protect the community he serves.”
The gunfire exchange remains under active investigation, authorities said.
Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to call Pasadena police at 626-744-4241 or report information anonymously via Crime Stoppers, 800-222-8477. To submit tips via mobile phone, download the P3 Tips mobile app on Google play or the Apple App Store, or visit LACrimeStoppers.org to submit tips.
Updated March 5, 2026, 10:17 a.m.
