Dog fatally shot by LA police during celebration of Knicks' win at a condo
Warning: This article includes mentions of animal violence.
A Los Angeles police officer shot and killed a family dog as authorities responded to a call about a "screaming woman." Witnesses later said she was celebrating the New York Knicks' championship win.
The incident took place after 8 p.m. at a condominium building in Canoga Park.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the residence to conduct a welfare check on the woman, later identified as Marie Marseille, who was reportedly screaming from inside the apartment.
"The officers contacted the resident in the apartment unit; while speaking with the resident, a large dog was by her side barking at the officers," the statement read, as per the Los Angeles Times.
Authorities asked her to secure her dog, a two-year-old golden retriever, Saint Bernard, and poodle mix named Jameson, before she closed the door behind her. When she reopened the door, the dog got out of the apartment.
According to the LAPD, the dog was shot when it allegedly charged at one of the officers.
In a video that has made the rounds on X, the woman was seen and heard crying in the hallway, hugging Jameson, who was on the floor and wearing a blue Knicks shirt.
"We were just so happy. We were just celebrating the Knicks," she cried as several officers stood across the hallway. "No, no, not my baby."
"This is absolutely crazy. We didn't do anything."
The neighbors were then heard admonishing the cops.
The dog owner's sister told LA Times that Jameson was well-loved by their family. "Every time on FaceTime with Jeremiah (the woman's son), he's always walking the dog. When he takes my sister to work, Jameson is in the car, wagging his tongue," Vanessa Marseille shared.
"Before he eats his food, they pray together. That was her second son," she added.
According to an ABC7 report, the neighbor who called the police said they feel guilty over the incident and added that they thought the woman was in trouble.
Marie's son, Jeremiah, has started a GoFundMe to help raise money to get justice for Jameson and for cremation fees.
The Force Investigation Division is also reviewing the shooting.