(East New York-WABC, August 24, 2004) — Two teenagers say a police dog attacked them, and they've announced a multi-million dollar lawsuit against New York City.
Those teenagers are suing for $10 million. They claim the horrible gashes on their leg and arm are proof -- not just of police brutality, but of police cruelty -- on the night they were arrested here at the Marcus Garvey Houses.
Two and a half weeks later, the dog bites on William Bryant's leg are still painfully raw -- enough to make you cringe. Only 16, he now walks like a much older man.
William Bryant, 16 Years Old: "I'm having nightmares. I'm scared of dogs now."
The wounds on 18-year-old Emmanuel Blake's left arm are just as striking. The scars are a permanent reminder of the night they were allegedly attacked by police dogs.
Emmanuel Blake, 18 Years Old: "They pulled me, threw me to the floor, stomped on my head, put the handcuffs on me. And the dog just came running after me. And they were just holding him by the leash like, 'Get him, get him, get him.'"
The teens, who live at the Marcus Garvey Public Houses, were hanging out at the maintenance garage on the night of August 6th.
When police arrived, they admit they tried to hide in the air shaft. When it was clear they were about to be found, the boys say they surrendered one at a time, Bryant first. But instead of an orderly arrest, they claim the officers ordered the German shepherd to attack after the boys were in custody.
Andrew Stoll, Teenagers' Attorney: "These men were not charged with resisting arrest, they were not charged with assault on an officer. And the question that we should ask, that for some reason that hasn't been asked is: how could this happen?"
The teenagers told me they did not engage in any alcohol or drugs that night, and they were not armed. They insist they were only hanging out. In fact, the only charge they are now facing is trespassing.
All this for a misdemeanor.
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