Salt Lake City police dept. suspends use of K9s

Police have suspended use of police dogs in apprehensions in light of an arrest earlier this year in which officers ordered a dog to attack a Black man who was kneeling and h alrey put his hands in air, Salt Lake City Police Department said Wednesday.

Jeffrey Ryans was in his backyard on April 24 when police were called to his home for an alleged domestic dispute, Salt Lake Tribune reported. y ordered him to get on ground. Body camera foot shows a police dog latched onto Ryans' left leg for about 20 seconds even though he was being put in handcuffs.

department anunced Tuesday it was opening an investigation after Ryans went public with his story. On Wednesday, department said officer involved h been placed on ministrative leave.

As Ryans cried out in pain and asked why officers were allowing dog to bite him, a K9 officer can be heard repeatedly praising animal and saying "good boy," foot shows. Detective Michael Ruff said Wednesday that foot was t released by police department.

Police reportedly were called to Ryans' home because he was heard arguing with his wife. He was also suspected of violating a protective order she filed against him in December. Ryans said he h been in home for weeks and his wife h lifted order, but her request was still pending when police were called.

Ryans faces a charge of violating that protective order, but court dates have been set.

Ryans said he decided to share his story as cases involving excessive use of force by police have been attracting more attention this summer.

His attorneys said y are preparing a lawsuit against police department for unnecessary use of force. y allege officer caused an avoidable injury that resulted in Ryans suffering nerve and tendon dam and infections that could le to amputation.