Officer-Involved Shooting of an Animal in Newton Division NRF047-23bb

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence.  The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an Officer-Involved Shooting (OIS) of two dogs that occurred in Newton Division.

On September 11, 2023, at around 10:00 a.m., Newton Division uniformed officers were driving in the 1100 block of Pico Boulevard and saw what they believed to be a stranded motorist. When the officers stopped and exited their vehicle to assist, they observed there was a dispute between parties.

While attempting to separate the individuals and de-escalate the situation, one officer was bitten from behind by two pit bulls and an OIS occurred. Both dogs were struck by gunfire and retreated underneath a nearby motorhome. Los Angeles City Animal Control officers responded to the scene and were ultimately able to secure the dogs. They were subsequently transported to the South Los Angeles Animal Shelter and were euthanized due to the extent of their injuries.

The owner of the dogs was later determined to be one of the parties to the dispute and resided with the dogs in the motorhome. Unbeknownst to the officers, these two dogs were responsible for attacking a female victim the night prior which caused her serious bodily injury. Newton Area detectives are investigating this incident. The injured officer was transported by rescue ambulance to a local hospital, where he was treated for multiple dog bites and later released.

No other community members or officers were injured during this incident. Force Investigation Division (FID) investigators responded to the scene and are investigating this incident.