Shoplifting Suspect Takes Legal Action After K9 Attack

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Jessica Patterson

The attorney for a man severely injured by a Tuscaloosa County K9 has filed a lawsuit against Tuscaloosa County and Tuscaloosa City.

A Walmart employee accused Derek Stokes of theft. Police sent a K9 to catch Stokes when he ran out of Walmart on Skyland Boulevard.

Stokes spent 36 days in the hospital with five surgeries after the attack.

His attorney Martin Weinberg said the dog severely injured Stokes while assisting the officer.

WVUA 23 spoke with Weinberg, who said he filed a claim to pursue legal action against the Tuscaloosa County Commission and the Tuscaloosa City Clerk. Those entities are being sued because they are in charge of the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Tuscaloosa Police Department, respectively.

You can read the original story by WVUA 23 here.