Peoria to pay $297K to settle an excessive-force lawsuit

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) - The city of Peoria will pay $297,000 to settle a lawsuit involving a police dog that bit a burglary suspect in 2010.

The Arizona Republic reports (https://bit.ly.2jM25yu) the burglary charges against David Dominguez Mendoza were later dismissed.

Mendoza claimed police used excessive force.

The Glendale man was a suspect in a December 2010 home burglary in which a credit card, jewelry, electronics and $21,000 in cash were stolen.

Police obtained a search warrant for Mendoza’s home and he hid in a shed in his backyard.

Court documents show a police dog bit Mendoza on his left forearm, causing permanent damage.

Mendoza first submitted a notice of claim to the city for $2 million, then filed suit in 2012.

Peoria will pay for the settlement through its risk-management insurance fund.

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Information from: The Arizona Republic, https://www.azcentral.com