A violent confrontation in Pleasanton has led to life-threatening injuries for a 71-year-old man and the arrest of a 50-year-old dog trainer, authorities said. According to a social media post by the Pleasanton Police Department, the incident took place around 3 p.m. last Saturday in the 3600 block of Vineyard Avenue. The altercation allegedly stemmed from a dispute, with further details suggesting the conflict may have involved accusations of animal abuse.
Joshua Kaplan, the suspect and a dog trainer by profession, has been charged with attempted murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling. After the initial response by the Pleasanton Police Department, Kaplan was taken into custody without bail, Henry K. Lee reported. The shooting victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was subsequently transported to a local trauma center, where his condition was stabilized.
Elias Pratt, a local, shared his perspective in an interview with ABC 7 News, stating, "From what I've heard, he was announcing it was all in self-defense. So, obviously we don't know the circumstances. Some people say it was a self-defense issue. Others say it was just malice intent." Pratt also expressed hope that such incidents remain rare in their community.
Witness statements indicate Kaplan went to confront the elderly man over alleged animal abuse before shooting him at least six times during the encounter. At one point, the victim retrieved a shotgun but did not use it, according to additional details shared by Pleasanton PD and conveyed by Henry K. Lee. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are also examining the veracity of the animal abuse claims and have taken the involved dog to the East County Animal Shelter.
The Pleasanton Police Department has not disclosed the nature of the relationship between Kaplan and the victim and they have affirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public safety.
