Black Family’s Dog Fatally Shot By LAPD, After 'Noise Complaint'
A Los Angeles Police Department officer fatally shot a family dog in Canoga Park after responding to a report of a “screaming woman.” The incident reportedly happened during a celebration of the New York Knicks’ NBA championship victory. Now the dog’s owner and family are calling for accountability as investigators review the shooting.
The LAPD says officers were called to an apartment building in the 7500 block of Jordan Avenue around 8:55 p.m. Saturday after a report of a screaming woman, per CBS. When officers arrived, they spoke with the woman and asked her to secure her large dog, which was barking nearby, according to the department.
Jeremiah Garcia is the owner of the dog, who was watching the Knicks game with his girlfriend nearby. Though it was his mother who watched the dog that evening and opened the door to the officers.
Police say she briefly closed her door, but after she reopened it, the dog came out of the apartment and allegedly charged at an officer. Though that account has been disputed.
"Soon as I opened the door to greet the officer, Jamo sprints out as an opportunity just to greet someone else, and then, yeah, that's what happened," she said, per CBS. "When I was on the phone, I heard two shots." She was on FaceTime with Garcia, who heard the entire incident play out, much to his shock and horror.
The dog, a 2-year-old Saint Bernard-Golden retriever-Doodle mix named Jameson, was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It's tearing my body apart, waking up and not having him at the foot of my bed," said Garcia. "Everyone loved that dog."
Family members told CBS Los Angeles the barking and commotion stemmed from excitement over the Knicks’ victory.
Garcia described Jameson as playful and said the dog was still wearing a Knicks T-shirt when he got home. LAPD’s Force Investigation Division is continuing the case.
The shooting has prompted criticism online and renewed attention on how police handle calls that can escalate quickly from a misunderstanding. The family has also set up a GoFundMe to help honor Jameson.
