San Marino Mayor Dennis Kneier is embroiled in a police investigation after he was caught on camera throwing a bag of dog feces onto a local resident's property over the weekend.
The victim, Philip Lao, caught the California mayor on his home's security camera, and turned the footage over to San Marino police after summoning them to his
house to file a complaint, The Whittier Daily News reported.
After assessing the crime scene and taking pictures of the poo, the police issued a press release, concluding the act was one of malice. "The bag was tied closed and appeared to have been intentionally placed on the walkway entrance," part of the release stated.
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In the video, Kneier's wife is seen pointing to the private walkway outside of Lao's residence just before the dung was flung.
After being identified, Kneier promptly apologized in a letter to Lao. He made it clear that the excrement was a found item not produced by any dog of his, and left intact the possibility that its placement was merely a bungled attempt at disposal.
"Dear Phil," his heartfelt apology letter began. "Late in the day this past Saturday, June 7, Liz and I were returning from a walk in Lacy Park when we noticed a bag of dog waste in your west parkway near the lamp post. Rather than leave it or dispose of it properly, I placed it on your side walkway. This was a mistake, for which I apologize. It won't happen again. Sincerely, Dennis Kneier."
In an interview with KTLA, the mayor said, "I should have . . . just left it there, but I’m not the type of person to leave things sitting around."
Lao told the station he believes the mayor was paying him back for his opposition to Kneier’s proposals, one of which was the construction of a dog park.
San Marino Police Chief Tim Harrigan said the case was "still open for investigation," and Lao is now considering pressing charges.
"He thinks that he can just smooth things over. He thinks that he can have the police drop it," Lao said of the scat thrower. "But I will pursue it. I’m in touch with a lawyer, and we’re thinking of pursuing harassment."
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