LPD Officer Suspended, Reassigned After K-9 Attacks Two Civilians

A member of the Lubbock Police Department (LPD) has been suspended without pay and reassigned after an incident in April involving a police K-9 that resulted in injuries to two civilians and the subsequent shooting death of the dog by a civilian.

On Saturday, April 12, at approximately 8:30 a.m., law enforcement officials were dispatched to the 5700 block of 108th Street in response to reports of a dog attack, as confirmed by the LPD. In a recent incident, two individuals were allegedly out for a stroll when they encountered a dog attack. One individual suffered serious injuries, while another received treatment for moderate injuries. Both individuals were taken to the University Medical Center for medical attention.

Authorities have confirmed that the recent attack is unrelated to any law enforcement operations, and the individuals affected were not engaged in any police-related issues. In the aftermath of the incident, an off-duty officer alerted the LPD regarding a missing police K-9, prompting a request for assistance in its recovery.

In the wake of an internal investigation, the department has released a statement indicating that the officer in question has been placed on unpaid suspension and reassigned to a different position within LPD. The department has not disclosed the officer's name.

In a statement released on Friday, the LPD emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the surrounding circumstances, expressing gratitude to the public for their patience during the department's internal investigation. The department acknowledges the unfortunate nature of the incident but maintains confidence in the effectiveness of K-9 units as valuable resources for law enforcement efforts.

Residents have raised concerns about the safety protocols for K-9 units and the management of police animals during off-duty hours. The LPD has not disclosed any further policy changes after the incident.