Pleasanton Shooting Case Has Locals Clamoring For Facts

Pleasanton residents have taken to social media to argue accounts of a recent shooting reportedly triggered by abuse of the victim’s dog.

What is known is that a 71-year-old man was confronted and – after an escalating argument – was shot nine times during an altercation outside the victim’s home in the 3600 block of Vineyard Avenue at approximately 3 p.m.

The man, currently listed in stable condition at a local hospital, was not immediately identified by police. His alleged assailant, 50-year-old Sunol dog trainer Joshua Kaplan, was arrested by police arriving on scene after the shooting.

Court records indicate that the 71-year-old victim was allegedly observed abusing a dog prior to the altercation, prompting one person to send a video of the abuse to Kaplan, who reportedly contacted Pleasanton animal services and then Pleasanton police before deciding to drive to the scene himself.

Kaplan arrived in front of the victim’s house as the older man was leaving, Kaplan telling him to wait for police while the older man insisted he was leaving to run an errand and would talk to police upon his return. It was at this point, police report, that Kaplan positioned his truck in front of the older man’s vehicle to prevent him from leaving.

According to the investigating officer, the victim’s car “suddenly lurched forward and struck Kaplan’s truck” and Kaplan opened fire from inside his truck with a pistol, striking the older man in the face. It was at that point, police said, that the wounded man got out of his vehicle, ran inside his home and obtained a loaded shotgun. The victim told police he was holding the weapon at his side when he stepped back outside, Kaplan’s truck no longer visible.

It was at that point that he was again struck by gunfire, calling to his brother to summon police.

Police arrived moments later, detaining Kaplan without incident and giving emergency aid to the victim – who had been hit multiple times.

Police indicated that the victim never pointed his shotgun at anyone and never discharged the gun.

Kaplan immediately invoked his Miranda rights and did not provide any statements, according to police. He was booked into Santa Rita Jail in Dublin later that night and has since been released on bond.

Kaplan, who was arraigned Wednesday, faces a felony charge of attempted murder and a felony count of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle.

He also faces additional enhancements, including intentional discharge of a weapon, engaging in violent conduct and inflicting great bodily injury to someone over 70 years of age.

Police and veterinary service officials said the dog involved in the initial “abuse” was perfectly fine and not injured in any way.