The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released body camera footage following the fatal shooting of a dog in response to a call at a Canoga Park apartment. The incident involved a 2-year-old golden Saint Bernard doodle named Jameson. Officers were initially called to the scene after hearing reports of screams coming from the apartment.
Upon arriving, officers were informed that the screams were a result of excitement over the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Jameson was wearing a New York Knicks shirt at the time.
The LAPD stated that as officers communicated with the woman inside the apartment, her large dog, weighing 106 pounds, barked at them. The woman was advised to secure the dog. However, upon reopening the door, Jameson allegedly charged at an officer, leading to the shooting.
The released video, edited by the LAPD, lasts eight minutes and features the woman asserting that the dog was not aggressive. Officers repeatedly asked those in the apartment to control the dog. A single officer can be seen firing four shots as the dog approached, barking. Notably, the officer’s face was blurred in the footage, which is rare for body-worn videos, according to NBC4’s investigative reporter Eric Leonard.
Jameson’s owner, Marie Marseille, recounted that she witnessed the shooting firsthand. “Next thing I know, he was on the ground,” she explained. Despite the incident, she described Jameson as playful, happy, and energetic, with no history of biting anyone.
The LAPD’s Internal Affairs Division is investigating the shooting, alongside a separate use of force investigation. Mayor Karen Bass expressed her concerns after viewing the footage.
“What I saw on the bodycam footage is disturbing and tragic,” she stated. “While the investigation is ongoing, I am very concerned about why shots were fired and Jameson was killed.”
Bass urged for updates on LAPD’s use of force policy concerning dog encounters, emphasizing the importance of clear guidelines and thorough training.
Earlier in the week, Bass had ensured a comprehensive investigation, aiming for accountability and transparency. She stated:
“Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and we know that the devastating loss of Jameson will be felt by his family forever.”
According to the LAPD’s 2023 “Use of Force Directive” on dog encounters, officers have various methods to handle aggressive dogs. Options include voice commands, sprays, and fire extinguishers. The directive permits deadly force if an officer or another person faces a significant threat of harm.
The investigation might take up to a year, with the incident’s understanding evolving as new evidence emerges.