Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

PASADENA - A gang member wanted in connection with a shooting was jailed Friday after fleeing officers on foot at the end of a vehicle pursuit.

Kent Cedric Lowery, 23, is being held in lieu of $400,000 bail, booked on suspicion of felony evading police and for an outstanding felony warrant in connection with a shooting, according to the Pasadena Police Department.

An officer with the Pasadena Police Special Enforcement Section attempted to stop Lowery for a traffic violation jut before 9 p.m. December 28. Lowery refused to stop, Pasadena Police said.

Lowery and his passenger fled their vehicle after they stopped the high-speed pursuit near North Fair Oaks Avenue and Hammond Street, Pasadena Police said.

Lowery was chased on foot to a nearby apartment building and was arrested.

The passenger escaped custody.

Court date information for Lowery was not readily available.

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

PASADENA - After a five-month search, the Pasadena Police Department has announced its a next chief of police.

Pasadena Police veteran John Eduardo Perez has been appointed to fill the leadership role vacated by embattled former chief Phillip Sanchez. Perez has 33 years experience in the Pasadena Police Department.

Perez’s decades-long knowledge serving the Pasadena community and leadership abilities were among the traits desired by Pasadena City Manager Steve Mermell.

“It became clear to me that Chief Perez is what Pasadena needs at this time. His knowledge of the city -and of its people-is certainly germane, but it is his leadership, his innovation and his willingness to work with the community that he serves which ultimately led to his selection, Mermell said in a written statement.

Perez will oversee a department of 325 employees, operating on an annual budget of $82 million.

Perez was chosen while serving as interim police chief.
Nearly 70 other candidates from across the country were being considered.

“Serving the Pasadena Police Department for the last thirty years alongside tremendous men and women has been the honor of a lifetime. To have the opportunity to lead our department to help enhance our relationships with the community and to use our innovation and hard work to keep the city safe is truly an honor,” Perez said.

Perez began his career at Pasadena Police as a cadet in 1985. He has served the department’s patrol division, community relations, internal affairs, Special Enforcement Section, SWAT, Special Investigations Unit and Counter Terrorism Team.

As interim police chief, Perez formed a Community Advisory Committee.

Prior to his interim police chief stint, Perez served as deputy chief of police from 2012 to 2016.