K-9 deputy cleared of using excessive force

A southern Minnesota sheriff's deputy has been cleared of allegations that he used excessive force by unleashing his police dog on a suspect.

Bryan Musolf filed a federal civil lawsuit against Mower County and Sgt. Jeff Ellis, seeking more than $75,000 for injuries he received from the police dog, Tazer, in October 2006 in Waltham.

Ellis responded to Musolf's home after the man's wife called deputies because Musolf had violated a protection order. Ellis found him in a nearby field. The deputy said he released the dog after Musolf ignored his commands and warnings.

The Post-Bulletin reports Mower County has paid all of Musolf's medical bills. A federal judge earlier dismissed the county from the lawsuit. A jury cleared Ellis Friday.

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Information from: Rochester Post-Bulletin