LPD Officer Suspended After K-9 Attack in April

LUBBOCK, TX — A Lubbock Police Department officer is suspended without pay and reassigned after a department K-9 attacked two people in April.

The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, April 12, in the 5700 block of 108th Street. Police initially responded to reports of a dog attack around 8:30 a.m. According to the department, residents nearby intervened to stop the animal, ultimately shooting and killing it.

Shortly after the call, an off-duty LPD officer contacted the communications center to report his police K-9 missing. Investigators later confirmed the K-9 involved in the attack was that officer’s assigned dog.

Two individuals were injured in the incident. Both were transported to UMC, one with serious injuries, the other with moderate injuries. Lubbock Animal Services also responded to the scene.

An internal investigation conducted by the Lubbock Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards determined that the K-9 attacked the individuals while they were out on a walk. 

The incident was not connected to any law enforcement activity.

The officer received an unpaid suspension and was reassigned within the department.

The Lubbock Police Department stated that it takes the incident and its circumstances seriously, while reaffirming the use of K-9s as an effective resource in law enforcement.