A candlelight vigil is planned Friday night for a dog killed in a police shooting after Los Angeles police responded to reports of a woman screaming, later determined to be a celebration of the Knicks NBA championship, at a Canoga Park apartment.
The community vigil, organized by the National Action Network, was expected to draw supporters calling for the release of bodycam video and the identification of the officer involved in the shooting. The gathering is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. outside LAPD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles.
Several official citizen complaints have been received by the Los Angeles Police Department about the shooting, law enforcement sources told NBC4 Investigates. The LAPD Internal Affairs Division has opened an investigation into the officer involved in the shooting, which is separate from a use of force investigation.
Both Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell and Mayor Karen Bass have promised full investigations into what unfolded at about 9 p.m. Saturday at the San Fernando Valley resident where 2-year-old Jameson, a golden retriever-Saint Bernard and poodle mix, was fatally shot.
“The loss of a pet is deeply personal,” Chief McDonnell wrote in a statement on X. “For many, a dog is not simply an animal; it is a companion, a source of comfort, and a member of the family.”
The Canoga Park family whose dog was shot and killed by LAPD officers opens up about their grief. Camilla Rambaldi reports for the NBC4 News at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026.
The LAPD said shots were fired after the dog charged at them after arriving at the apartment where screams had been reported. Officers later learned the woman was screaming in reaction to the New York Knicks NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
In a statement, the LAPD said officers were speaking to the woman when a large dog at her side was barking at officers. The department said when she re-opened the door after being asked to secure her dog and the dog allegedly charged at an officer, prompting them to open fire.
“Next thing I know, he was on the ground,” owner Marie Marseille said. “I see the officer shoot him twice. I did see that. I was right there when it happened.
“I don’t know if charged is the right word. Jameson, he is a very playful dog, very happy and energetic and excited, if he barked. He has never bitten anyone.
According to a 2023 LAPD “Use of Force Directive” on dog encounters that NBC4 Investigates obtained, officers are told they have several tactics they can use against what they call “hostile dogs.” Those tactics include voice commands, spray and fire extinguishers. The directive also states an officer can use deadly force when it’s reasonable to protect the officer or another person from the threat of death or serious bodily injury.