Recorded on cellphone video allowing a police dog to repeatedly bite a nonviolent man during an arrest, three Missouri police officers are under investigation by the county prosecutor.
At 7:18 a.m. on September 20, Woodson Terrace police officers responded to a call concerning a trespasser at a business who allegedly refused to leave. According to a press release from the police department, three officers confronted the suspect and determined that he was under the influence of narcotics.
In a bystander’s cellphone video, the suspect was in police custody near two cops with his hands on the hood of a car when the third officer released a K-9 to bite the man’s leg. The suspect screamed in pain as the two other officers pulled him to the ground.
The third officer appeared to say something to his colleagues shortly before they released their grips on the suspect. As the cops backed away, the third officer allowed the K-9 to repeatedly bite the terrified suspect again.
According to the police press release, the suspect caused minor injuries to one of the officers. But in the video, the suspect never appeared to attack the officers.
The suspect was later treated at local hospital for the dog bites. The arresting officers allegedly found a substance suspected of being methamphetamine on him after placing him in handcuffs.
None of the officers were wearing body cameras.
According to police officials, the unidentified suspect has not yet been charged and was released from police custody.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell said in a statement that his office “is aware of this video, and we will make a thorough review of the incident.” He declined to comment further about the case.
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