California Mayor Caught on Camera Doing Something That Has Him Apologizing and Taking ‘Responsibility for What Happened’

The mayor of a Southern California city appears to have been caught on video leaving a bag of dog feces on his neighbor's property over the weekend — and the neighbor doesn't think it was on accident.

A Southern California mayor appears to have been caught on camera tossing a bag of dog feces on his neighbor's lawn. (Image source: Screen grab via KNBC-TV)

Surveillance video appears to show San Marino mayor Dennis Kneier tossing the bag onto homeowner Phillip Lao's private walkway. Police added that the bag was closed and appeared to have been intuitionally placed, according to KNBC-TV.

Lao told KNBC that he thinks the mayor was seeking revenge on him for his opposition to his proposal for a dog park.

The San Marino resident's home features a "no poop zone" sign in the front yard, which had also reportedly been the cause of some conflict for the two in the past.

A Southern California mayor appears to have been caught on camera tossing a bag of dog feces on his neighbor's lawn. This sign had reportedly caused some animosity between the two in the past. (Image source: Screen grab via KNBC-TV)

In a statement to KNBC, Kneier conceded that he was "standing up and dropped" the bag, adding that it "may have flicked off a bit." He, however, said he was not certain where he picked the bag up before.

"I take responsibility for what happened," Kneier said. "I’m sorry it happened… this was a mistake."

The mayor lives two blocks away from Lao. Neither of them are dog owners.

It was not clear if the mayor would face any criminal charges.

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