PLANTATION · Santa the police dog ruined a homeless man's Christmas last year by biting his hand, and earlier this year that homeless man, Gregory Majerus, sued the city.
Majerus was hiding out in an abandoned office building in the 6900 block of West Cypress Road when the police dog and his handler, Officer Curtis Hampton, were searching the building for a car thief. Earlier that night, someone stole a car from T.M. Ralph Funeral Home on Fourth Street, ditched the car about a block away and fled on foot.
Police never captured the car thief. But when they found Majerus and explained that he was trespassing in the office building, the dog bit his hand. Majerus then signed a release saying he wouldn't sue.
In court papers, Majerus said he did so because he was "under the influence of pain medication" and intimidated by the police officers around him.
Circuit Judge Victor Tobin planned a hearing on the case Nov. 12, but that was postponed for undisclosed reasons.
Majerus' attorney, Casey Fundaro of Miami, declined to comment on the case. Bruce Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, who is handling the case on behalf of the city, could not be reached for comment.
The incident happened Nov. 3, 2002. Majerus sued in July, accusing the city of failing to control the dog, carelessly allowing the dog to enter the building and failing to train Hampton properly. In response, the city has denied any wrongdoing and has asked for the case to be dismissed because Majerus signed the release form.
Jeremy Milarsky can be reached at jmilarsky@sun-sentinel.com or call 954-572-2020.
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