Gunshot-Like Sound Was Likely Blown Transformer, Police Say

Lt. Len Hundshamer of the told Patch just after 9:30 p.m. Monday night that loud noises reported in on Acacia Street in Sierra Madre were likely the result of blown electrical transformers and not gunshots.

Initial, unconfirmed reports picked up on the Sierra Madre Police scanner frequency indicated that the department had received calls reporting possible shots fired and a "muzzle flare" such as the type that would originate from a firearm.

The reports ignited a flurry of police activity in the area, with the SMPD calling in assistance from Pasadena's Air One police helicopter, as well as units from the Arcadia Police Department.

While SMPD units went door-to-door asking residents if they had heard the noises or seen anything suspicious, Arcadia units blocked the southbound exit to Acacia Street, stopping cars in an effort to secure a perimeter around what still might have been a crime scene.

But Hundshamer--who said that Southern California Edison had been called with reports of a blown transformer and some power outages at nearly the same time the SMPD received their reports--said the situation was about to be "de-escalated."

"We're in the 99 percent range at this point," Hundshamer said, referring to the police belief that there were no gunshots and that the incident was instead an issue with electrical infrastructure. Just then, an Edison truck arrived on Acacia street to look into the issue.