SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A police dog mistakenly bit a 12-year-old boy in the leg as officers were searching for a hit-and-run suspect near the boy's home.
David Martin had a 1/2-inch deep wound to his left thigh and multiple puncture wounds. He needed a number of stitches and will be on crutches for the next few days, his family said.
A hit-and-run accident occurred near the boy's home about 4 a.m. Friday when a car ran into a power pole. Police said the driver ran away as the neighborhood was darkened by the downed lines.
Cpl. Jeff Chamberlain was looking for the suspect with his dog, Arko, on a 15-foot leash, when he came across the Martin home with several people on the porch.
The boy's mother, Sharon Martin, said her family was startled by the collision and awoke to sirens and flashing lights.
"We heard this loud crash, so we came outside to see what was going on," she said.
She said David, his two brothers, an uncle and his grandmother were all outside when the dog suddenly latched onto her son's leg.
Police spokesman Capt. Phil Trent apologized Friday.
"On behalf of the police department, this was very unfortunate, and we're sorry it happened," Trent said.
Police say the excitement and number of people outside following the crash could have confused the dog. The mistake is the first for the K-9 Unit in five years, police said.
David's parents will likely contact the city attorney when their son recovers, they said, as well as their own lawyer to file a complaint.
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