Pierce County sued over police dog attack

Published 4:36 pm Sunday, March 17, 2013

TACOMA — A man is suing Pierce County over a police dog attack.

The News-Tribune reported that Ronald Jones contends in his lawsuit filed last week in Pierce County Superior Court that deputy Brett Karhu used excessive force against him the night of Feb. 6, 2011, when he set the dog Oni on him.

The lawsuit said Jones didn’t act aggressively toward the dog or officer and posed no risk to them.

Jones was hospitalized for several days and had to have surgery to repair injuries the dog inflicted. He is seeking unspecified damages for medical expenses, loss of income and emotional distress.

Spokesman Ed Troyer said the Sheriff’s Department disputes nearly all of Jones’ assertions. Troyer noted that Jones has a criminal record and is known to run from law enforcement.