A Los Angeles police officer shot and killed a family dog on Saturday while responding to reports of a screaming woman, who witnesses said was actually celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA championship.
The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. at a condominium building on Jordan Avenue in Canoga Park, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers arrived at the scene to conduct a welfare check after a neighbor reported hearing a woman screaming inside the building. Police stated that the dog rushed at officers when they encountered it.
The animal, a 2-year-old golden retriever, Saint Bernard and poodle mix named Jameson, died at the scene.
The dog’s owner had been celebrating the Knicks’ victory with her family prior to the shooting, according to witness accounts. A photograph taken shortly before the incident showed Jameson wearing a New York Knicks shirt.
Cellphone footage captured inside the building showed the immediate aftermath of the incident, according to the outlet.
“Oh my god! Oh my God,” a woman cried. “I cannot believe this is happening. I cannot believe this is happening.”
The woman went on to shout that the family had only been cheering for the basketball game.
“We were just so happy,” she said. “We were just so happy. We were just celebrating the Knicks. We were f***ing celebrating the Knicks.”
Raymon Alvarez, a resident who lives across the street, said he heard loud screaming as he left for a walk. When he returned, 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,” Alvarez said.
The dog owner’s son told ABC7 that his mother was simply cheering for the basketball game and that although Jameson was energetic, the dog was not violent.
The neighbor who placed the 911 call reportedly told the outlet they felt guilty about the outcome but maintained they contacted authorities out of genuine concern for the woman’s safety.
A memorial for the dog has been arranged in the hallway where the shooting took place. The Los Angeles Police Department is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Independent has asked the LAPD for comment.
