A family's celebration of the New York Knicks' NBA championship victory ended in tragedy Saturday night when Los Angeles police officers shot and killed their dog at a condo complex in Canoga Park, authorities said.
Background
The shooting occurred shortly after 8 p.m. at a residential complex in the San Fernando Valley neighborhood where officers from the Los Angeles Police Department's Topanga Patrol Division responded to a radio call about a screaming woman inside an apartment, according to an official LAPD news release.
Jameson, a 2-year-old golden retriever, Saint Bernard and poodle mix, was wearing a New York Knicks shirt as he celebrated with the family moments before the shooting. A photograph captured the dog in his championship gear just minutes before officers arrived at the scene.
"We were just so happy. We were just so happy. We were celebrating the Knicks," one family member screamed at the scene, according to footage recorded by witnesses.
Raymon Alvarez, a neighbor who lives across the street, told ABC7 he had gone for an evening walk when he heard unusual sounds from the building.
"The screaming I heard was like, 'Ah! Oh my God! Oh my God!' Like just, pure screaming," Alvarez said. When he returned home, he heard gunfire. "I didn't think they were gunshots at first because this area is not really known for any sort of gun violence."
The Investigation
According to the LAPD news release, officers requested that the dog's owner secure Jameson when they arrived at the apartment. The owner briefly closed the door but then reopened it, allowing the dog to exit.
Police allege that Jameson then charged toward an officer, prompting officers to open fire. The dog was struck and died from his injuries at the scene.
"He's such a good dog!" the woman could be heard screaming in cellphone video captured during the emotional aftermath of the shooting.
A memorial has begun growing in the hallway where neighbors witnessed the shooting unfold. The 911 caller, who spoke to ABC7 off-camera, expressed guilt about making the call but said they sincerely believed someone inside the building was in distress and needed help.
The dog's owner's son also spoke with the outlet off-camera, stating that his mother was celebrating the Knicks' championship win with family when the evening took a tragic turn. He maintained that Jameson was energetic but not violent in any way.
LAPD officials have stated that the shooting remains under investigation. No additional details about potential disciplinary action or departmental review were immediately available.
Key Takeaways
- Officers from LAPD's Topanga Patrol Division responded to a radio call about a screaming woman at a Canoga Park condo complex Saturday night around 8 p.m.
- Jameson, the family's 2-year-old golden retriever mix wearing Knicks gear, was shot and killed after allegedly charging toward an officer.
- The shooting remains under investigation by LAPD's internal review process.
- Neighbors described hearing screams and gunfire in a neighborhood not typically associated with gun violence.
- A memorial has formed at the scene where residents witnessed the incident unfold.
What's Next
The Los Angeles Police Department has indicated that its investigation into the officer-involved shooting is ongoing. No timeline for completing the review has been announced, and it remains unclear whether any personnel actions will result from the incident. The family has not publicly announced plans for legal recourse.