In Brentwood, California, the city has agreed to pay nearly $1 million to settle a lawsuit involving excessive force by police after a woman, Talmika Bates, was bitten by a K-9 dog during her arrest. Bates, who was suspected of shoplifting, was hiding in bushes when the German Shepherd bit into her head. She required over 200 stitches, tissue rearrangement, and laceration repair, and has been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and PTSD.
The woman’s attorneys argued that K-9 dogs can be dangerous weapons that can cause life-altering damage. They accused the K-9 handler of allowing the dog to bite Bates for an excessive amount of time. A federal judge had removed some of the officer’s qualified immunity protection, opening the door for the settlement.
Brentwood Police Chief Timothy Herbert stated that the settlement was reached to avoid further litigation and appeal costs. He emphasized that the officer lawfully deployed the K-9 during the search for the suspects, but the prolonged biting could be considered excessive force. Currently, the police department does not have any working K-9 officers.
The case highlights the potential harm that can result from the use of K-9 dogs in police work and the importance of proper training and supervision to prevent excessive force incidents. Bates’ substantial settlement underscores the city’s acknowledgment of the seriousness of the situation and desire to compensate her for the injuries she sustained.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
