Fayetteville PD clarify details in K9 handler video

“Based on this incident, the Fayetteville Police Department has received numerous complaints and comments expressing concerns about the incident, the involved K9 and K9 Handler,” Fayetteville Police Department said in a statement. “These complaints and comments have been heard and documented.”

The handler and the K9 were called to perform a “sniff” search of a car, where the K9 sat down, symbolizing a positive alert.

After that, the dog bit the handler’s thigh for about 10 seconds, refusing to let go. The handler hit the K9 seven times before his dog finally released his grasp, according to the department.

Once the handler regained control of his K9, he got him back in the car and commanded the dog to sit.

Police added the K9 was checked out by a veterinarian and cleared, and the handler was treated for the dog bite on his thigh.

“The video released to social media does not depict the entirety of the incident,” the statement said.

The department’s “Master Handler” and three other external “Master Handlers” from different agencies within the state, along with legal counsel, examined the evidence and statements from all parties involved, as stated in the release.

In its statement, the Fayetteville Police Department did not reveal the handler’s or the dog’s name, nor the investigation’s conclusion.

“There is no further information to update the public on as it pertains to this incident,” the release ended, citing protective personnel statutes.