The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) released body camera footage on Friday showing the moments leading up to an officer fatally shooting a 2-year-old Saint Bernard doodle named Jameson during a Knicks championship celebration. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 13, after police responded to a report of a woman screaming in her apartment in the 7500 block of Jordan Avenue in Canoga Park.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The footage, captured from two body cameras, shows officers approaching the apartment door and encountering Jameson, who was barking. Officers asked the dog's owner, Marie Marseille, to restrain the animal. After a brief exchange, Jameson moved toward one of the officers, who then fired multiple shots. The video was paused immediately after the first gunshot.
Deeper Dive & Context
The incident has sparked outrage among activists and animal advocates, who gathered outside LAPD headquarters to protest the shooting. A neighbor who called 911 during what they believed was a welfare emergency later apologized, expressing remorse for the dog's death. The neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke with Eyewitness News about the incident.
The footage shows officers expressing concern about the dog's size and barking. One officer is heard saying, "Jeez, that’s a big ass dog," while another remarks, "I ain’t getting bit by that, bro." Marseille insisted the dog was not aggressive, but the officers persisted in asking her to restrain him. The situation escalated when Jameson moved toward the officers, leading to the fatal shooting.
The LAPD is investigating the incident, and the footage has drawn attention from animal rights groups and the public. The case raises questions about police use of force and the handling of non-threatening situations involving animals.