Defense verdict for Stew Estes and Richard Jolley in dog bite jury trial!

Stew Estes and Richard Jolley received a defense verdict in favor of a police K-9 handler and the City of Lakewood after a two week jury trial in federal court.  Plaintiff, a 24 year old father of two, was a domestic violence suspect who was tracked, located, and apprehended by a police K9.  Plaintiff received what surgeons described as the worst dog bite they had ever seen, which almost resulted in amputation of his leg.  The plaintiff claimed that the K-9 handler commanded the dog to attack him after he had already surrendered.  The plaintiff claimed that both the officer and the City were liable under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 for violating his Fourth Amendment rights to be free from excessive force.  The jury rejected Plaintiff’s version of events and believed he intentionally concealed himself in bushes and failed to comply with K-9 warnings given by the officer, resulting in the K9 pulling the Plaintiff out into the open.  The jury  found that the use of the police K9 was a lawful use of force, vindicating both the officer and the City.  Congratulations to Stew and Richard!

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