Bomb Squad Called to Sun Valley After Possible Explosive Device Found

Possible Explosive Device Found During Traffic Stop in Sun Valley

LOS ANGELES – A thorough investigation is currently underway after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered during a traffic stop in Sun Valley early Monday morning. The incident also involved an officer-involved shooting of a pit bull, raising concerns in the community.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), officers initiated a traffic stop on a white vehicle just before 1 a.m. During this stop, they uncovered a black plastic bag suspected to contain an IED composed of fireworks wrapped with nails. In response, police placed the bag in the middle of Telfair Avenue and closed the street between Penrose and Tuxford streets to ensure safety during the investigation.

While investigating in the surrounding area, which serves as an encampment for individuals residing in vehicles and tents, an officer encountered a pit bull associated with one of the RVs. This confrontation resulted in the officer fatally shooting the animal.

The LAPD Force Investigation Division is managing the scene, with assistance from a bomb squad to address the suspected explosive device. An officer received treatment for unspecified injuries sustained during the incident.

The owner of the pit bull, who was nursing a litter at the time, expressed her distress over the shooting. "I told him my boyfriend’s gonna have a hard time because he has four puppies, the baby, and then my dog, the mom, and then that’s the one that the cop shot for I don’t know what reason," she said. "He said she was just in the wagon feeding her puppies, and I guess she tried to charge at the cop."

As the investigation continues, both Telfair Avenue and the surrounding streets remain closed to the public.