The Los Angeles Police Department is withholding the identity of the officer involved in the shooting of a golden Saint Berdoodle in Canoga Park, citing threats to the officer’s safety. The incident occurred last month when the officer shot and killed the dog. According to LAPD Capt. Mike Bland, the officer’s name has not been disclosed due to threats against him, despite state law and court rulings that typically require the release of names of officers involved in on-duty shootings, barring proven threats.
Brett Greenfield, attorney for the dog’s owner Marie Marseille, criticized the department’s decision to conceal the officer’s identity. He emphasized the need for both transparency and accountability, stating, “Transparency without accountability is meaningless.” The body-worn camera footage from the police has been made public, allowing residents to view the incident and form their own opinions.
On Thursday, Marseille’s legal team filed a civil rights lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles. The lawsuit claims the officer used excessive force without justification. The dog, named Jameson, was killed on June 13 when he ran out of Marseille’s apartment following a welfare check by LAPD officers.
Body camera footage shows two officers knocking on Marseille’s apartment door after a neighbor reported unusual sounds. Upon opening the door, the officers encountered Jameson, who wore a Knicks T-shirt and barked loudly. The second officer, initially drawing his gun, holstered it after Marseille closed the door.
Aback by the size of the dog, one officer remarked, “Jeez, that’s a big ass dog.” Both officers expressed concerns about being bitten by the dog, with the second officer cautioning, “I ain’t getting bit by that, bro.” Marseille reassured the officers, stating her dog was not aggressive. Despite this, Jameson emerged from the apartment and moved toward the second officer, who responded with gunfire.
The lawsuit claims Jameson did not threaten or attempt to attack the officers, labeling the shooting as “reckless.” It argues the officer violated LAPD policies regarding canine encounters by misinterpreting Jameson’s energetic behavior as aggression, contradicting guidelines from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Greenfield addressed the incident in a news conference, highlighting the inappropriate use of force captured in the video, which included profanity and aggressive actions during the welfare check. Standing alongside Marseille’s son, Jeremiah Garcia, Greenfield stressed the importance of relying on training, judgment, and restraint, qualities expected of law enforcement personnel.
The LAPD and the city’s leadership, including Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Mayor Karen Bass, face significant pressure to investigate and disclose the details surrounding the shooting. The video, reviewed by LAPD officials and city leaders, has been released with the officer’s face obscured due to ongoing legal proceedings. Police Chief McDonnell has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation.
The incident has stirred public outrage and sparked dialogue within Los Angeles regarding police conduct and policies. The impact of this case extends beyond the incident itself, fostering a discourse on law enforcement’s interactions with the community and animals.
Staff writer Paige St. John contributed additional information.