GREENVILLE, S.C. (CN) - A police dog attacked a man as Bamberg County sheriff's deputies "howled with laughter and rewarded the dog for every bite and contact," the alleged victim, John Moody, claims in Federal Court. He says deputies showed up at his house to arrest him on a child-support warrant, but failed to show him the warrant and then sicced their dog on him, even though he didn't try to run.
"With the dog growling and snarling at his heels, Plaintiff scrambled onto a tractor and got as high as he could, the dog followed and snagged his leg," the lawsuit claims. Moody allegedly jumped to another tractor, but the dog grabbed his pant leg and pulled him down.
"Defendants surrounded him, held him down and allowed the dog to continue the attack before restraining it and putting it back in the hatch, after which they handcuffed Plaintiff and dragged him to a vehicle," the complaint states.
The plaintiff says deputies also repeatedly pepper sprayed him in the eyes. And while Moody was being booked, he claims defendant Sheriff J. Edward Darnell said, "Now, see how you like them dog bites."
Defendants include T. Ben Hay, Norris Williams and Todd Brown.
Moody demands $4 million in actual and punitive damages, and is represented by Gwendolyn Long Robinson of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
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