Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Jun 20: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Friday released body camera footage showing the shooting death of a two-year-old golden Saint Bernard doodle named Jameson, after officers responded to a Canoga Park apartment following reports of screams.

According to the LAPD, officers arrived at the apartment on Saturday night and opened fire after the dog allegedly charged at them. Police later learned that the screams were from a woman celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.

The released eight-minute bodycam video, edited by the LAPD, shows officers speaking with the woman inside the apartment while the dog was barking nearby. Officers can be heard asking residents to hold or secure the dog.

The footage appears to show one officer firing four shots as the dog moved towards him while barking.

The LAPD said officers were initially speaking with the woman when the large dog beside her was barking. The department stated that after she reopened the door despite being asked to secure the dog, the animal allegedly moved towards an officer, leading to the shooting.

Jameson’s owner Marie Marseille disputed the police description, saying the dog was playful and had never bitten anyone.

“Jameson was a very playful dog, very happy and energetic. He has never bitten anyone,” she said.

The LAPD said the dog weighed 106 pounds.

The department’s Internal Affairs Division has launched a separate investigation into the shooting, in addition to a use-of-force review.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident “disturbing and tragic” after viewing the footage and said she was concerned about why shots were fired.

“While the investigation is ongoing, I am very concerned about why shots were fired and Jameson was killed,” Bass said.

She directed the LAPD chief and police commission president to review the department’s policies and training related to encounters involving dogs.

According to a 2023 LAPD use-of-force directive, officers are provided several options when dealing with “hostile dogs”, including voice commands, spray and fire extinguishers. The policy states deadly force may be used if necessary to protect officers or others from a threat of death or serious injury.

The LAPD said the investigation could take up to a year to complete and that the understanding of the incident may change as additional evidence is reviewed.