Investigation into LAPD Dog Shooting Incident

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released body camera footage on Friday concerning the shooting of a dog in a Canoga Park apartment. The dog, a 2-year-old golden Saint Bernard doodle named Jameson, was shot after LAPD officers responded to reports of screams from the apartment on Saturday night.

According to the LAPD, officers fired shots after the dog reportedly charged at them. However, the screams were later identified as a reaction to the New York Knicks’ victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, as explained by a woman in the apartment.

The officers encountered Jameson wearing a New York Knicks shirt. In a statement, the LAPD described how the woman was initially advised to secure her barking dog. When she reopened the door, the dog allegedly charged at an officer, leading to the firearm discharge.

The eight-minute body camera footage, edited by the LAPD, shows the woman asserting that the dog was not aggressive. It captures officers instructing those in the apartment to either hold or restrain the dog. The video shows one officer firing four shots as the dog moved towards him while barking. Notably, the officer’s face was blurred in the footage, an unusual practice for LAPD’s body-worn videos.

Marie Marseille, Jameson’s owner, described the aftermath, “Next thing I know, he was on the ground,” she recounted to NBC Los Angeles. “I see the officer shoot him twice. I did see that. I was right there when it happened.” Expressing disbelief, she added, “I don’t know if charged is the right word. Jameson was very playful, happy, energetic, and excited; if he barked. He has never bitten anyone.” Jameson weighed 106 pounds, according to LAPD records.

The LAPD’s Internal Affairs Division is investigating the shooting, which is separate from a use of force investigation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement following the footage release, expressing concern over the incident.

“What I saw on the bodycam footage is disturbing and tragic. The Chief and I agreed that releasing the footage swiftly was important,” Bass stated. “While the investigation is ongoing, I am very concerned about why shots were fired and Jameson was killed. This shooting highlights that current guidance on use of force and pets is insufficient.”

Mayor Bass has urged the LAPD chief and police commission president to review the department’s use of force policy regarding dog encounters. She has emphasized the need for policy and training updates.

On the following Wednesday, Bass pledged a “thorough and transparent” investigation, stating, “Every life lost to violence is a tragedy, and the devastating loss of Jameson will leave a lasting impact on his family.” She guaranteed a comprehensive investigation for public understanding and accountability.

The 2023 LAPD “Use of Force Directive” on dog encounters, obtained by NBC4 Investigates, provides officers with several non-lethal options for dealing with “hostile dogs.” These include voice commands, the use of spray, and fire extinguishers. The directive permits deadly force if necessary to protect an officer or another person from serious harm or death.

The investigation could take up to a year to conclude as additional evidence is gathered, analyzed, and reviewed. LAPD’s current understanding of the incident may evolve with new findings.