HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. – A K-9 officer known as “Eddie” has been removed from service after the dog bit a juvenile at an elementary school.
The incident happened on May 15 after school hours at Millbrooke Elementary School.
Officer Jack Lingenfelter with the Hopkinsville Police Department was on duty and taking break with Eddie in a field on school property.
The juvenile ran around the corner of the building and caught Eddie’s attention. Officials said the dog spontaneously bit the child, causing non-life threatening injuries.
Officials said the child, whose age was not released, was transported to Jennie Stuart Medical Center for treatment.
Chief Clayton Sumner ordered Eddie to be quarantines while an internal investigation into what happened could take place.
It was announced Monday that the dog would be removed from the police force to ensure similar incidents would not happen again.
Officer Lingenfelter was also disciplined for failing to maintain control of his K-9 unit. Details of the discipline were not released.
“We realize the public must have trust and confidence in HPD and we work hard to maintain that trust. We take very serious our K-9 unit and will remain committed to ensuring proper handling as we continue to protect and serve the community,” Chief Sumner said in a press release.
