Two Michigan police officers are charged with misconduct and aggravated assault for using K-9s on a detained suspect

(CBS DETROIT) – Two Sterling Heights police officers have been charged with misconduct and aggravated assault for using a K-9 on an arrested person, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office said.

The charges against Officers James Sribniak and Jack Currie stem from the arrest of a Roseville man on February 25, 2024.

State officials said officers pursued the man who fled a traffic stop. Police caught the man suspected of domestic violence and used Tasers on him. Officials said Currie urged Sribniak to use the K-9 to bite the man, which Sribniak eventually ordered the dog to do.

The man was bitten on the back right hip.

“K9 assistance can be a valuable tool for law enforcement, but must be used with good judgment,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “K9 officers are thoroughly trained in the proper handling of police dogs and should maintain the highest standards of conduct. We should have confidence that they are not using a dog as an unnecessary and unlawful punitive measure to brutally attack a human being.” In this incident, using a K9 against a suspect who is already on the ground and surrounded by officers is not appropriate just terrible, but also illegal. My office remains committed to thoroughly investigating and prosecuting police misconduct.

Currie and Sribniak have not yet been charged