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Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Bouncer Sues Over Police Dog Attack

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (CN) - A Cookeville police dog named Melo attacked a restaurant bouncer, tried to bite his neck and clamped down on his calf as he was taking out the trash, the bouncer claims in Federal Court. "More than one of Ryan Moody's medical providers commented on the fact that he was 'lucky' because Melo's victims were usually in a far worse state after his various attacks," the lawsuit states.

Moody claims noise from the restaurant triggered the attack. He says he was able to block Melo from biting his neck with the empty trashcans. He then jumped into the back of a nearby pickup truck, the suit claims, but Melo jumped in after him and chomped his calf in an "impermissible and outrageous assault."

"Officer Chase Mathis was eventually able to run to the scene of the attack, and he immediately attempted to pry the dog's jaws from Ryan Moody's calf," the lawsuit claims. "He was unable to do so due to the severity of the dog's bite and hold on the leg."

It took the help of a backup officer to release Melo's bite, Moody claims.

He demands $2 million in actual and punitive damages. His attorney is Brent Morris with Baker, O'Kane, Atkins & Thompson.

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