Police Dog Attack on London Colvin in Norfolk Causes Serious Injuries and a Policy Change

As personal injury lawyers in Hampton Roads we help the victims of out of control dogs recover money for their injuries in lawsuits.

But what about instances when the dog that has caused the injuries is a police dog that is meant to be carefully controlled by its handler?

This appears to have been the case when a Norfolk State University student was recently arrested. Army reservist London Colvin, 21, was attacked and bitten by a police dog a week ago, as officers held her down and tried to handcuff her, according to media reports.

In an unusual development Norfolk Police Chief Michael Goldsmith said the use of force in London Colvin’s arrest was unreasonable and the policies on the use of K-9 units would be revised.

In a previous article I pointed out how police can be sued in instances such as that of London Colvin in which unreasonable force was used.

WAVY’s 10 On Your Side reported on how Norfolk State University student, Ms.Colvin was leaving a house party when she was unknowingly punched by other people. The station reported that police said they tried asking her questions about what happened, but Covin refused and started to walk away. “Somehow, they say, she ended on the ground and was attacked by a police K-9. Colvin was charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest and disorderly conduct,” reported WAVY.

WAVY reported the dog’s handler also receive minor injuries from the dog. The injuries to London Colvin were more serious. Her father said she needed 43 stitches and requires plastic surgery for a gaping wound in her leg.

On the wake of two fatal police shootings of black men in Norfolk in recent years whose families I am representing, this is another deeply regrettable incident. Goldsmith seems to acknowledge as much in an article in the Virginian-Pilot.

One officer is on administrative leave in the wake of this incident. Disciplinary action against an officer is not necessary for a civil lawsuit to progress if the actions of a police officer causes injuries or a wrongful death. Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers has taken out lawsuits against Norfolk police. Call us today for a free consultation at 757.455.0077.