San Jose to Pay $1.6M After K-9 Bites Man’s Neck for Over a Minute – Here’s What Happened

San Jose, California – The city of San Jose has agreed to pay $1.6 million in a settlement following a lawsuit filed by a man who was severely injured by a police K-9 during his arrest. The case has raised significant concerns about police dog practices and the use of force by law enforcement.

The incident occurred in February 2020 when Anthony Paredes, a suspected thief, was hiding in a trash bin following a store robbery. As officers approached him, they released a K-9, which bit Paredes on the neck. The dog clamped onto his throat and held on for more than a minute. The attack caused serious injuries to Paredes, including permanent damage to his voice and ongoing emotional distress.

Paredes filed a lawsuit against the San Jose Police Department, claiming that the use of the K-9 for such a long period was excessive and unnecessary. A federal judge ruled in Paredes’ favor, stating that the K-9’s prolonged bite violated his rights, and allowed the lawsuit to proceed. Ultimately, the city agreed to the $1.6 million settlement to resolve the case without going to trial.

Growing Concerns Over Police K-9 Practices

This incident is not isolated. Between 2015 and 2020, San Jose police K-9s were involved in 167 bite incidents, more than any other police department in the Bay Area. This has sparked renewed calls for stricter oversight and regulation of police K-9 units to prevent excessive use of force.

Community leaders and legal experts have called for reforms to ensure that police dogs are not used in situations where their attacks may be unnecessary or overly violent. Advocates are urging the state of California to establish clear guidelines and regulations for police dog use to protect citizens’ rights and prevent future harm.

The $1.6 million settlement serves as a reminder of the need for greater accountability in law enforcement practices and highlights the importance of reviewing how police dogs are deployed in various situations.