Man says Drug Dog Scratched his Daughter
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- A child’s parents said a sheriff's department's drug-sniffing dog attacked their child during a traffic stop in Overton County.
Video: Dad Says Daughter Scratched By Drug Dog
The family is now suing, but the sheriff's department said there's more to the story.
The dispute stems from a traffic stop involving Christopher Neal and his 3-year-old daughter, Lexus.
Neal said at one point during the stop, the Overton County Sheriff’s Department’s drug-sniffing dog, Solomon, lunged into their car and scratched Lexus.
Neal is suing the sheriff's department.
"It scratched her up, but it’s more psychological. We can't hardly get her to ride in the car at night," Neal said.
Overton County Sheriff W. B. Melton said he was riding along with Hull when the family was pulled over two weeks ago.
"The dog only sniffed the child in the car," Melton said.
Melton said that, at one point, Solomon indicated there were drugs in the car.
No drugs were found and no one was arrested, but when Solomon was put back into the sheriff's car, a door was left open. Both Hull and Melton admit the dog jumped out and jumped on Lexus but never hurt her.
"The scratches I definitely deny, because her mother could not show us any scratches," said sheriff’s Deputy Kelly Hull.
But the family took photos of what they said are scratches caused by the dog.
Neal said that Lexus now fears dogs and the law. Nashville attorney Blair Durham is representing Neal.
Durham said he plans to sue for unlawful search as well as unlawful assault.