Police Tuesday continued their investigation into the circumstances surrounding a dog shot to death by police and a man who was detained after “suspicious devices” were discovered during a routine traffic stop in Sun Valley, authorities said.
The traffic stop occurred at about 1 a.m. Monday in the 8400 block of Telfair Avenue, between Tuxford and Penrose streets, where officers “encountered suspicious devices in the vehicle,” the Los Angeles Police Department reported.
The “suspicious devices” were later determined to be an improvised explosive device (IED), an assault rifle and a handgun, according to a police statement.
“A perimeter was established according to existing Bomb Squad protocols and additional police resources responded to the scene to assist with evacuations,” according to the police statement.
Two officers, while assisting with the evacuations, approached an RV that was parked on the street. A pit bull mixed canine exited the RV and allegedly charged at one of the officers resulting in an officer-involved shooting. The dog was struck by gunfire and died.
“During the encounter, one officer fell while attempting to back away from the dog and struck his head on the pavement,” according to the police statement. “The officer was transported to a local hospital for a dog bite to his lower leg and a head injury.”
The dog owner was at the scene and cooperated with police.
“One individual is being detained for questioning regarding the suspicious devices,” according to the police statement.
The LAPD’s Major Crimes Division was dispatched to the scene to take responsibility for the devices investigation, and Force Investigation personnel were sent to the location to investigate the fatal shooting of the dog.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident was urged to call the LAPD’s Foothill station at 818-756-8861, or during non-business hours and weekends, at 877-527-3247. Callers who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.