Talmika Bates will receive $967,000 from the city of Brentwood, California after she was bitten by a police K-9 during her arrest for shoplifting in February 2020. The German Shepherd bit into her head, requiring more than 200 stitches and causing lasting injuries including traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Attorney Adante Pointer emphasized the dangerous nature of police K-9s and criticized the handler for allowing the dog to continue biting Bates despite her surrender.
A federal judge had previously ruled that the officer could be stripped of some qualified immunity protection for his actions, as the prolonged nature of the K-9 attack could be seen as excessive force. The city settled the lawsuit to avoid further legal costs.
Brentwood Police Chief Timothy Herbert stated that the officer lawfully deployed the K-9 during the arrest, but acknowledged the excessive force claim made by Bates. The police department no longer has any working K-9 officers. The settlement serves as a reminder of the potential dangers and consequences of using police K-9s in law enforcement situations.
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