Bay City Police Dog Loses Badge After Attacking 2 People

BAY CITY, TX --A K-9 cop who bit two innocent bystanders in a month’s time is losing his badge, officials said. Rico started working for the Bay City Police Department on March 1. The dog replaced Kim, who had been on the job six years until she was hit by a car on Dec. 31.

On his first day on the job, Rico bit a Bay City employee. Rico had just completed three weeks of training at US K9 Unlimited in Louisiana.

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According to Bay City Police Department spokeswoman Lt. Irene Kjergaard, an employee who was afraid of dogs saw Rico and ran. Rico reacted by jumping over his handler, chasing the employee down and biting her on the arm. The employee was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

After the incident, Rico was placed in a one-week remedial training program.

When Rico returned, he and his handler provided a demonstration to the police department administration that Rico could obey commands, and according to Kjergaard, Rico did very well.

However, on Monday, March 13, Rico had a relapse and seriously injured another innocent bystander.

Kjergaard said Rico and his handler were headed to Louisiana for a previously scheduled training session.

The handler had stopped at a Bay City gas station and was making sure the dog had enough water when Rico jumped from the patrol SUV and attacked Jocelyn Amtower, who was getting her morning coffee.

Amtower was taken to Bay City hospital, but her injuries were so severe, she was transferred to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where she has undergone two surgeries and will require skin grafts.

Meanwhile, Rico has been removed from services and has been returned to US K9 Unlimited in Louisiana.

The Bay City Police Department is reviewing its K-9 officer policies and has postponed obtaining a replacement K-9 officer.

Image Justin Connaher via Flickr

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