Bomb squad called after traffic stop in Sun Valley; police shoot, kill dog

SUN VALLEY, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man was detained and a dog was shot and killed by police following what started as a traffic stop in Sun Valley early Monday morning.

The incident unfolded near Telfair Avenue and Penrose Street just south of the 5 Freeway around 1 a.m., according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

When officers searched the driver's white sedan, they found a suspicious package, prompting LAPD's bomb squad to respond as police evacuated those living in the area.

"During that evacuation, officers encountered a vicious dog which attacked one of the officers which resulted in an officer-involved shooting," said Lt. Bruce Coss.

The injured officer was taken to a local hospital, but the dog died at the scene.

A woman who identified herself as the owner of the dog spoke to Eyewitness News. She said the dog was a 5-year-old pit bull.

The shooting happened as she was just down the street and her boyfriend was in the process of evacuating the dog and her newborn puppies.

"I don't know why... It's hurting me so bad. And the cops are not giving me any answers," said Chankara Beshay. "She's protective but it's different because she has puppies. You know how dogs get overprotective when they have puppies.

Now, two investigations underway.

The LAPD's major crimes team is handling the investigation into the suspicious package containing explosive devices, which was eventually deemed safe.

One person was detained for further questioning on that.

The other investigation involves the use of force portion involving the shooting and killing of the pit bull.