GRESHAM -- A 5-year-old girl was seriously injured Wednesday when a Gresham police dog bit her in the face at his handler's home.
The German shepherd, Lex, had been with the Gresham Police Department for about 18 months, working with Officer Scott Cunningham. The incident -- the dog's second in several months -- involved Cunningham's niece, who lives next door to the officer.
The bite, which lacerated the girl's cheek between her mouth and ear, remains under investigation, according to Capt. Tim Gerkman, a spokesman for the Gresham Police Department.
Authorities believe the incident occurred after the child walked through an opening in the fence between the two properties.
"We aren't sure if she startled the dog, or tripped over it or stepped on it," Gerkman said.
The dog had been following Cunningham around the property as he worked in his yard that afternoon, Gerkman said. Cunningham had ordered the dog to a lying position on the ground, but the officer, who was a few feet away, responded when he "heard a commotion," Gerkman said.
Cunningham gave first aid, then the girl's mother drove her to Mt. Hood Medical Center, police said. From there, she was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, where she underwent surgery, Gerkman said. She was released Thursday.
"From what's been relayed to me, there's no nerve damage, and hopefully they'll be able to keep scarring to a minimum," Gerkman said.
The dog, who has been taken off duty until the investigation is complete, is state certified to perform police work, and had undergone training and testing, Gerkman said.
About two months ago, Lex was involved in another incident in which he snapped at a child's foot while on duty, causing "a small scratch or abrasion," Gerkman said. Testing afterward found no "trait" problem with the dog, and he was kept in service.
Cunningham, a state-certified handler, has been with the K-9 program for about seven years.
The department didn't announce the incident, but it was reported by an area resident. Gerkman said the lack of publicity was to spare the girl's family and the officer, "who has suffered trauma through this, too."
Lex was purchased for the department by Betty White of Gresham, who said she contributed $10,000 but was not involved in picking him out or training him. Earlier, in 2002, White donated $20,000 to the department to buy and train a dog, and to buy bulletproof vests for the department's four canines.
Robin Franzen: 503-294-5943; robinfranzen@news.oregonian.com. Reporter Eric Mortenson contributed to this report.
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