Family Sues Florida Sheriff After K9 Attack Critically Injures Teenager

Lawsuit Filed Against Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

• ⚖️ A family is suing the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office over a K9 incident that critically injured their teenage son.
• 💔 The lawsuit alleges a deputy allowed a K9 to attack the boy for over a minute while he was on the ground and even after he was handcuffed.

Incident Details and Bodycam Footage

• 🚨 The incident occurred on May 14th, 2023, after a lift driver reported two teenage boys threw rocks at his car and assaulted him.
• 🐕 Deputy Sarah Ernst deployed her K9 partner, Roy, to track down a fleeing suspect, later identified as Rodrik Smith Jr.
• ⚠️ Department policy states K9 force should only be used when necessary for apprehension and withdrawn as soon as practical.

K9 Apprehension and Injury

• ⏱️ Bodycam footage shows the K9 making contact with Rodrik, who was told to keep his hands up.
• ⛓️ Despite Rodrik being apprehended by the dog and in the process of being handcuffed, the deputy did not immediately release the K9.
• 🗣️ Rodrik repeatedly pleaded for the dog to be removed, saying "please" 14 times without profanity.
• 🩸 The dog finally released its grip after 1 minute and 15 seconds, revealing a gushing wound to Rodrik's femoral artery.

Medical Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

• 🚑 The severe injury required immediate medical attention, with a tourniquet likely saving Rodrik's life.
• 💸 Rodrik underwent multiple surgeries, accumulating $250,000 in medical bills and experiencing constant pain.
• ⚖️ Despite Rodrik pleading guilty to his actions, the family maintains the K9 use of force was excessive and is pursuing a lawsuit in federal court, which motions to dismiss have been denied.
• 🔍 A review found Deputy Ernst did not violate department policies, and she has since been promoted; however, records show multiple K9 utilization reviews involving her since 2021.