Five years ago, Johnstown police officers chose to buy a dog named “Obi” because he was responsive and amiable, witnesses testified Wednesday.
The German shepherd sits at the center of a police-misconduct trial, with attorneys for Antonio Chatman of Johnstown claiming the canine was out of control during a 2001 encounter.
But on the third day of testimony in Chatman’s civil suit against the city and police officer Michael Page, a trainer said Obi had easily passed all tests.
“We picked Obi simply because he was a social dog,” said Garry Harvey of the Eastern Police Canine Association, which helps cops select and train dogs.
“He wasn’t out of control,” Harvey told jurors in federal court in Johnstown. “He would only bite when he was told to in training and when he was threatened.”
Chatman, 34, pleaded guilty to fleeing police and resisting arrest in connection with the Aug. 14, 2001, downtown chase. But he suffered multiple bite wounds and now claims police used excessive force.
Jurors are expected to decide the case today. Attorney Steven Ludwig, representing the city and Page, presented his case within a few hours Wednesday.
Chatman’s attorneys have presented evidence that Obi was known as a “biter” and failed to obey commands several times before the 2001 chase. But Harvey said the dog caused no problems during training the year before.
Police claim the dog continued to bite Chatman in an alley off Main Street because the suspect, who had two misdemeanor warrants for his arrest, continued to struggle.
“He’ll bite on command. He’ll bite when he’s threatened,” Harvey said. “That’s his job.”
Ludwig also called Page and police Chief Craig Foust to the stand. Both also had been called to testify Tuesday, so their statements were brief.
Chatman’s attorneys repeatedly have pointed out that Page carried no baton, but the officer said having one would not have helped.
“I don’t see how you’re going to use a baton when someone’s 50 feet or 100 feet away from you,” Page said.
The veteran officer also revealed he knew about Chatman’s long criminal history – including prior arrests for escape, assault and gun violations – on the day of the incident.
Asked whether that information influenced his decisions during the chase, Page said it did.
Foust also testified that his officers assume all suspects are armed “until it’s proven differently.”
The final witness testifying for Chatman’s attorneys, though, argued that city police did not act appropriately and did not follow their own policies on proper use of force.
“Most warrant services don’t include a dog,” said Paul McCauley, an Indiana University of Pennsylvania criminology professor.
“Mr. Chatman did not pose an immediate threat to anyone,” McCauley testified. “That dog should not have been released.”
Chatman is seeking unspecified money damages.
Local News
Police defend dog accused of biting
- Local News
-
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
-
AP: Almost half of new veterans seek disability
America’s newest veterans are filing for disability benefits at a historic rate, claiming to be the most medically and mentally troubled generation of former troops the nation has ever seen.
-
Geistown beginning crime watch program
Residents will patrol Geistown streets in the coming weeks as part of a community watch program.
-
Persons of the Week: Nanty Glo vets will remember fallen comrades
Michael Kurtz, Tom Kasecky and Steve Kasecky will be among members of the Loy A. Douglass Post 3489 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Nanty Glo who will be honoring fallen veterans today, Memorial Day.
-
AG candidates face potential conflicts of interest
Both candidates for Pennsylvania attorney general have family ties that could pose a conflict of interest for the one who is elected as the state’s next chief legal officer.
-
Lawmakers: Capitol rallies unpersuasive
Nancy Richey stepped to the podium with a microphone at the Capitol rotunda with the hope that the right people would hear her message.
-
Richland closer to new chief
The search for Richland’s next police chief is winding down.
-
In brief: Thunderstorm downs trees, knocks out power
A late Sunday afternoon thunderstorm brought high winds, hard rain and hail to the Cambria-Somerset region.
- District Deaths May 28, 2012
- More Local News Headlines
-
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
