Florida Man Sues for Police Dog Mauling

By Danielle Briones

Published on July 22, 2005

Eric Pace, 19, contends the police did not properly train the dog to subdue him. Police dogs are trained to bite only the arms and legs. This police dog, nicknamed Brix, bit Pace on the face, head, shoulders and arms, according to a lawsuit filed in late June.

Pace is seeking unspecified medical compensation and other damages from the city and from Kristopher S. Ahler, the officer in charge of Brix that night.

Palmetto Police Chief Gary Lowe declined to comment on the lawsuit. He added that the police dog is no longer working with his department.

In January 2003, police tried to pull over Pace because they believed he was driving a stolen car, according to police. Pace eventually exited the car and hid in a swamp. After subdued by the police dog, Pace was arrested for driving with a suspended license.

Pace has been arrested for burglary, grand theft and drug crimes in the past three years. He was last arrested in April on charges of cocaine and marijuana possession.

Pace's lawyer said the bites have left permanent scars on Pace's face. When Manatee County police arrested Pace on the drug charges, police reported Pace had a scar from a dog bite above his right eye.

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