Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

Minnesota Woman Brutally Attacked By Police K-9 While Taking Out Trash
Minnesota Woman Brutally Attacked By Police K-9 While Taking Out Trash
Source: St. Paul Police

Minnesota Woman Brutally Attacked By Police K-9 While Taking Out Trash

A Minnesota woman is suing a police officer after he failed to control a police K-9 that attacked her.

READ: Minnesota Cop Charged With Punching Handcuffed 14-Year-Old

On September 23, St. Paul police officers were looking for two male robbery suspects when a police K-9 attacked Desiree Collins, who was taking her trash to a dumpster, according to a report from the Pioneer Press. In a video of the incident (which can be viewed below), the K-9 can be seen biting the 52 year old Collins on the arm as she sits on the ground and screams in pain. According to a lawsuit, the officers issued 10 "release" commands to the dog and one of the officers, Thaddeus Schmidt, tried to use the dog's E-Collar, an electronic shock device. But they only managed to get the dog off Collins when Schmidt was able to physically remove him from her.

The dog bit Collins' lower left leg and clamped onto her right arm, with the dog leaving permanent scars on Collins' body. Following the incident, St. Paul officers initially helped Collins get her dressings changed and assisted her with getting groceries, but "this aid stopped once they found out she was represented by counsel," the lawsuit said.

Collins is seeking not only financial damages but also a mandate ordering changes to St. Paul police policy and training "in the use of effective warnings" and "proper leash techniques" to control K-9s.

"Part of the reason for the lawsuit is she says, 'If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone,'" Andrew Noel, Collins' attorney, said. "She wants St. Paul to make the appropriate changes to makes sure it doesn’t happen again."

"What happened to Ms. Collins was a terrible accident that should not have occurred," Police Chief Todd Axtell said in a statement. "I am sorry it happened and that she was injured. As a department, we wish we could go back and do things differently. Unfortunately, we can't. What we can do is apologize and take responsibility, offer support and compassion and learn from the incident so we can continue to work to prevent it from happening to anyone else."

As for Schmidt, the cop received a one-day suspension for failing to announce the dog's presence and for not keeping a close eye on the dog.

WARNING: The contents of this video are disturbing.

Source: twincities.com