The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) fatally shot a dog wearing a New York Knicks jersey while responding to a call about a screaming woman, which turned out to be a celebration of the Knicks' NBA championship victory. The incident occurred on Saturday night in Canoga Park, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The LAPD responded to a call about a screaming woman and were directed to an apartment unit. Upon arrival, officers encountered a resident with a large dog barking at them. The officers asked the resident to secure the dog, but when the resident reopened the door, the dog exited the apartment and charged at an officer, leading to an officer-involved shooting (OIS). The dog, named Jameson, was killed in the incident.
Deeper Dive & Context
The dog's owner was present at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, according to the LAPD. A video circulating on social media shows a woman sobbing over the deceased dog, wearing a Knicks T-shirt, while officers stand nearby. The woman, identified as Marie Marseille, can be heard saying, "The Knicks just won the championship. We were just so happy. We were just celebrating the Knicks."
The LAPD's statement described the dog as "large" and noted that it charged at an officer before being shot. The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services was notified and took custody of the deceased dog. The family expressed shock and devastation over the incident, with the dog's owner's sister, Vanessa Marseille, stating that the shooting was reckless and could have endangered others.
The video also shows neighbors angrily admonishing the police officers for killing the dog. The family claims the dog was not aggressive and that the shooting was an overreaction. The LAPD has not yet released further details about the officers' actions or the investigation into the incident.