The Los Angeles Police Department is protecting the identity of the officer involved in the shooting of a golden Saint Berdoodle in Canoga Park. This decision follows threats to the officer’s life after releasing video footage of the incident.
LAPD Capt. Mike Bland reported that the officer’s name has not been disclosed due to ongoing investigations into these threats. Both state law and court rulings mandate the revelation of names in on-duty shootings unless a confirmed threat is present. LAPD media relations reiterated this stance.
Brett Greenfield, attorney for pet owner Marie Marseille, questioned the department’s decision, highlighting the need for accountability and transparency regarding the incident involving her 100-pound dog, Jameson. Greenfield stated, “Transparency without accountability is meaningless. The police body-worn cameras speak for themselves. The people of Los Angeles can watch it, and they can reach their own conclusions. What they will see is deeply troubling.”
A civil rights lawsuit was filed in federal court against the city of Los Angeles, seeking damages for undue use of force. The suit argues that the officer acted recklessly, violating LAPD’s policy that requires animals to pose immediate threats to justify shooting.
The issue began when officers knocked on Marseille’s apartment door. A neighbor had called to report hearing exclamations from Marseille’s apartment. Upon opening her door, Marseille’s dog barked loudly at the officers. Body cam footage shows the second officer initially unholstering his gun and backing away. He puts the gun away after Marseille closes the door.
Marseille later reassured officers that her dog was not aggressive. Despite her assurances, when Jameson moved out the door, the second officer drew his handgun and fired four times, hitting the dog.
The lawsuit asserts Jameson never threatened or attacked the officers. It highlights LAPD policy and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training guidelines that differentiate between “energetic” and “aggressive” behavior. The lawsuit argues that energetic behavior should not be interpreted as aggression.
The video captures profanity. It captures an unnecessarily aggressive demeanor, Greenfield stated in a news conference.
The incident is under investigation, with LAPD and Mayor Karen Bass experiencing pressure to disclose the body camera footage. Public release of the footage included blurring of the officer’s face and identity.
Los Angeles police Chief Jim McDonnell promised a full investigation as outrage and questions spread across the city. Staff writer Paige St. John contributed to this article.