Shocking newly released LAPD bodycam footage shows the moment an officer fatally shot a beloved family dog after the animal charged toward him — a killing that has sparked outrage from neighbors, activists and the heartbroken owners.
The video, released Friday, captures the tense confrontation inside a Canoga Park condo complex just moments after a family had been celebrating the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory.
The shooting unfolded shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday when Los Angeles police officers responded to the complex after a neighbor reported hearing a woman screaming.
After the footage surfaced, critics blasted the officer’s actions as unnecessary, demanding answers over why the dog was killed. Police released the video amid mounting public backlash and questions about whether the shooting was justified.
In the video – two responding officers are seen being greeted by Jameson – a 2-year-old Saint Berdoodle, who was celebrating with the family before the shooting.
A photo taken moments before he was killed showed the dog wearing a New York Knicks shirt.
“Dude that’s a big dog,” said one officer upon seeing the unleashed animal.
“I ain’t getting bit by that bro,” said another.
The officers asked Jameson’s owner, Marie Marseille, to secure the dog repeatedly but after a moment the dog rushes out of the unit and at one of the officers standing in the outdoor hallway outside the apartment.
The officer being rushed by the dog drew his weapon and fired four shots, killing the animal.
Marseille collapsed in heartbreak upon seeing her dog killed.
“Oh my God! Oh my God,” Marseille cried. “I cannot believe this is happening. I cannot believe this is happening.”
The LAPD video shows two angles of the shooting. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Viral cellphone video capturing the emotional aftermath of Jameson’s killing spurred fury, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to demand a full accounting of the matter.
She released a statement Friday in response to seeing the video.
“What I saw on the bodycam footage is disturbing and tragic. The Chief and I agreed that it was important to release the bodycam footage swiftly. While the investigation is ongoing, I am very concerned about why shots were fired and Jameson was killed,” she said.
“This shooting makes clear that while LAPD provides officers with written guidance on the use of force and pets, this is not enough.”
“I have directed the Police Commission President and the Chief to examine the Department’s Use of Force policy on Dog Encounters to determine best practices from around the country, and use this opportunity to update the LAPD’s overall tactics, policies, and training related to the use of lethal force to increase safety for everyone – officers, Angelenos and their pets,” the statement continued.
An online GoFundMe for the dead dog and Marseille’s family has already raised more than $200K — as public outrage over the incident continues to grow.
In a video statement released with the new bodycam footage, LAPD Captain Mike Bland said the department is only at the very early stages of its investigation of the shooting, which may take a year to complete.
“Our understanding of the incident may change as this additional evidence is collected, analyzed, and reviewed,” said Bland.
“We also do not draw any conclusions about whether the officers acted consistent with our policies in the law until all the facts are known,” he added.
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