Adam Gabriel
In June 2021, police officers of Sonoma County, California, released a patrol dog which attacked 40-year-old Adam Gabriel. He was wrongfully arrested for a crime he did not commit.
The police stopped Gabriel on suspicion of carjacking. Body camera footage shows a sheriff’s deputy approaching Gabriel and ordering him to get out of the car. Gabriel repeatedly asked the police why he was stopped, but they ignored his questions.
One of the police officers said that if Gabriel continued to resist, he would have to to release a patrol dog. Gabriel got out of his car with his hands up and walked towards the deputy, who at that moment had already released the dog. Later officers understood they had mistaken and let him go.
In February 2022, Gabriel filed a lawsuit against the police and accused them of using excessive force. He said that the after he was attacked by the dog his arm was severely injured. In addition, for several months after his arrest, Gabriel suffered from PTSD symptoms. In the lawsuit, he also demanded compensation.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“Let’s say Adam had been the carjacker — the use of force still wouldn’t have been called for. Because he was on his knees with his hands in the air, right?” attorney Izaak Schwaiger said.
The Press Democrat
“Three deep puncture wounds and one tear into his right bicep,” said Gabriel’s attorney, Izaak Schwaiger. “For a time, Adam was in danger of losing his arm. (There was) significant internal bleeding.”
FOX 2
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the victim.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
