An Akron woman who was attacked by a police dog that was chasing a man who trespassed into her home has sued the city, arguing the dog’s handler was negligent.
Deborah Callaway, now 57, alleges the dog bit her left leg and knee, causing “much pain and suffering.” Police reports indicate she was transported to Summa Akron City Hospital for treatment of “apparent minor injuries.” In her lawsuit, which was filed last week, Callaway seeks monetary damages from the city.
The dog attack happened at about 9:20 p.m. on July 4, 2015.
According to police reports, Officer Michael Orrand spotted a man wearing only denim shorts driving a motorcycle in the wrong traffic lane on Lover’s Lane. The motorcyclist, Timothy McCraney, almost struck Orrand’s cruiser, continued west and turned left onto Talbot Avenue.
McCraney, who lived on Talbot, got off his bike and ran toward his home, which was next door to Callaway’s home. Orrand didn’t know McCraney’s identity or where he lived.
Orrand reported he ordered McCraney not to run or he would release his K-9 partner Thunder. He and Thunder chased McCraney, now 42, and found him standing in the doorway of a home later identified as Callaway’s apartment. Orrand again threatened to release the dog if McCraney didn’t follow his orders.
“He went to retreat deeper into the dark apartment,” Orrand reported, “so I released the K-9.”
The dog tackled McCraney and toppled into Callaway — who Orrand reported he didn’t see in the apartment. The dog attacked both people. While Orrand restrained the dog and tended to Callaway, McCraney escaped on foot.
Callaway told the officer McCraney was her neighbor, but she only knew him by the nicknames “Bone” and “Dinosaur.”
According to the lawsuit, Callaway’s injuries required a great deal of medical care that cost her a lot of money. She also faced ongoing anxiety and depression as a result of the injury.
Callaway alleges Orrand disregarded public safety when he released Thunder into her home. She also criticized the training Orrand received with regard to his police dog.
McCraney was later arrested and convicted of aggravated trespassing, failure to comply with police orders and obstructing official business. He was sentenced to six months in jail, but the sentence was suspended in favor of a year on probation.
Callaway’s attorney, Ronald Apelt, could not be reached for comment. City spokeswoman Ellen Lander-Nischt declined to comment.
Nick Glunt can be reached at 330-996-3565 or nglunt@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NickGluntABJ and on Facebook @JournoNickGlunt .