Talmika Bates, a woman from Brentwood, California, has reached a settlement with the city for nearly $1 million after she was bitten on the head by a police K-9 dog during her arrest for shoplifting in February 2020. Bates required over 200 stitches and other treatment for her injuries, which included a mild diffuse traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and post-traumatic brain syndrome.
Civil rights attorney Adante Pointer highlighted the dangers of police K-9 units and criticized the officer for allowing the dog to continue biting Bates even after she had surrendered. The officer had his qualified immunity protection partially stripped by a federal judge, as the extended duration of the attack could be seen as excessive force.
Brentwood Police Chief Timothy Herbert stated that the city settled the case to avoid further litigation costs, even though the District Court had ruled that the officer had lawfully deployed the K-9 during the arrest. The police department currently does not have any working K-9 officers.
The settlement highlights the potential for excessive force and injuries associated with police K-9 units and raises concerns about the use of dogs in law enforcement. Bates’ case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can result from encounters with police dogs, even in situations where a person is already subdued and compliant.
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