PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Police Bureau has reissued details of a 2021 incident in which an off-duty police dog attacked two people in Happy Valley, following the settlement of a lawsuit arising from the event.
The attack occurred on Friday, March 12, 2021, at around 5:00 p.m. when the off-duty K9 handler learned that his police dog had escaped from his fenced yard and attacked two individuals walking their dog. Paramedics responded to the scene along with the Happy Valley Police Department and Happy Valley Code Enforcement. The couple’s dog was reportedly unharmed.
The initial investigation was handled by Happy Valley Police and Code Enforcement. According to the Portland Police Bureau, the dog had broken through a section of fencing before encountering the couple and attacking both individuals. The handler promptly notified a Portland Police K9 unit supervisor, who coordinated with local authorities and launched an internal investigation.
The police dog involved in the incident will remain out of service, according to the bureau’s statement.