RantCrush Top 5: July 14, 2017

A video that has gone viral shows three police officers arresting an unarmed black man while a police dog relentlessly bites the man’s arm. Even after the man is lying down on his stomach with handcuffs, the dog has its teeth buried into his arm, ignoring the officers who are trying to get him to release it. A bystander filmed the altercation and is heard asking why the officers don’t have any control over the dog.

Witnesses recorded video of an unarmed black man being attacked by a police dog while detained by San Diego Police Department officers pic.twitter.com/QRoUQGxPqa

— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) July 14, 2017

The handcuffed man was running in and out of traffic, punched a cab driver, and tried to steal a motorcycle, according to witnesses. The San Diego Police Department said the dog was only doing its job. “Canines are extremely effective at deescalating situations and preventing elevated levels of force to take people into custody,” said Lt. Scott Wahl. However, forensic expert Rob Berman who investigates dog bites disagreed. “Police K9s are supposed to release on command. The handler looks helpless in the video like he doesn’t know what to do next. This is a nightmare scenario for the victim who is doing everything right to stop the attack,” he said.

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.