Petaluma Paying $500,000 To Man Bitten By Police Dog
PETALUMA (CBS / AP) -- A North Bay city has agreed to pay $500,000 to a man who was bitten by a police dog, leaving him with a missing chunk of biceps.
The Press Democrat of Santa Rosa reported that the settlement between the city of Petaluma and Edward Hogya was reached this week. Hogya had filed a lawsuit alleging police used excessive force when they arrested him in December 2010 following a report that he had made threats.
Police officers who arrived at Hogya's house said he was verbally confrontational, and they believed he may have been armed.
A police officer released his dog, and the animal bit the then-65-year-old Hogya.
Hogya wasn't armed, and he said he never threatened anyone.
Prosecutors dismissed the charges.
City officials maintained that proper procedures were followed, and they said the settlement does not constitute an admission of guilt.
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