Lawsuit claims Minn. police dog bite was excessive
A federal lawsuit alleges a Mower County sheriff's deputy and his police dog used excessive force while arresting a suspect in 2007.
Attorneys for 47-year-old Peter Vought of Owatonna claim Sgt. Jeff Ellis and his dog, Tazer, violated Vought's civil rights.
According to the lawsuit, Vought suffered "serious, permanent injuries" when Tazer bit his upper thigh and buttocks, causing several puncture wounds.
The lawsuit alleges Vought was unarmed and lying face down when Ellis ordered Tazer to attack him.
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Ellis was cleared in a previous excessive force trial in 2009.
Mower County Chief Deputy Mark May told the Austin Daily Herald he had not seen details and could not comment on the lawsuit.
Calls left Thursday evening at Ellis' home and at the sheriff's office were not immediately returned.
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Information from: Austin Daily Herald
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