St. Louis Cops In Hot Water After Releasing K9 On Suspect Up Against Police Car

ST. LOUIS – Earlier this week, Fox 2 obtained cellphone video of Woodson Terrace Police officers using a K-9 on a suspect. The incident happened near St. Louis-Lambert International Airport Monday morning.

Friday, the Universal African People’s Organization (UAPO) and other community leaders called for the officers to be fired.

“We are outraged by the vile and despicable behavior by the Woodson Terrace Police Department officers who were on hand. Three were white. The victim was black,” President of UAPO Zaki Baruti said.

“To be short, these officers need to be terminated immediately.”

But Woodson Terrace Police say the suspect refused to comply with police, even after being told the dog would be used if needed.

“The subject continued to resist, causing minor injuries to one of the officers so the K-9 was released and gained control of the suspect’s foot. The suspect went to the ground and the K-9 was pulled off,” according to a statement from the Woodson Terrace Police Department.

“Then officers attempted to place the subject into handcuffs but due to the subject being under the influence of drugs, he continued to resist. The subject got up and attempted to flee from the officers and the K-9 was released again, biting the suspect on his leg. The officers were able to handcuff the subject and the K-9 was pulled off.”