A family gathering in Canoga Park to celebrate the New York Knicks’ championship took a tragic turn Saturday night when police responded to reports of a woman screaming after her dog had been shot.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. as officers arrived at the apartment complex. Upon their arrival, they could hear a woman’s screams. Reports indicate that the dog, named Jameson, was a 2-year-old mix of Golden Retriever, Saint Bernard, and Poodle, who had been happily celebrating with his family just moments before.
Witnesses shared that Jameson was wearing a Knicks shirt in a photo taken right before the shooting. According to police, the dog lunged at the officers, prompting them to open fire, resulting in Jameson’s death. The specifics of the situation are still being investigated.
Cellphone footage captured the aftermath, with the woman in distress exclaiming, “Oh my god! Oh my god! I can’t believe this is happening.” Family members recounted how they had been enjoying the championship celebration until everything changed suddenly.
One woman was heard expressing how happy they had been: “We were really happy. We were celebrating the Knicks.” A 911 call had been made due to concerns about a potential distress situation inside the apartment.
Raymond Alvarez, a neighbor who was out for a walk, described hearing the woman scream, recalling it as a pure and distressing sound. Upon returning home, he was startled by gunfire, uncertain at first because the area wasn’t known for such violence.
The owner’s son mentioned off-camera that Jameson was playful and not aggressive at all. Following the incident, neighbors began to gather in the hallway where Jameson died, creating a small memorial to honor him.
One woman was heard saying, “He’s such a good dog!” amid the emotional scene. The neighbor who called 911 expressed feelings of guilt but noted that he genuinely thought there was an emergency and help was needed.
The police investigation into shooting continues as the community processes this heartbreaking event.
