PASADENA >> A gang member tossed a loaded handgun into a playground crowded with children before being arrested Friday evening, officials said.
Kent Cedric Loweery, also listed in records as Kent Cedric Lowery, 19, of Pasadena was booked on suspicion of child endangerment and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon following the 7 p.m. incident at Robinson Park, according to Pasadena police officials and Los Angeles County booking records.
Gang officers were patrolling in the area when they spotted Loweery and another man walking in the park, Pasadena police Lt. John Mercado said. The officers recognized the two as local gang members.
As the officers got out of their car and approached the men on foot, “They saw Loweery toss an object into a playground that had about 10 children playing in it,” Mercado said. The item turned out to be a loaded .38-caliber revolver.
“Officers were able to detain Loweery and immediately went back and recovered the gun,” the lieutenant said.
Loweery’s companion was not arrested.
According to booking records, Loweery was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail pending his initial court appearance.