Family Settles Lawsuit Over Police Dog Fatality in Montgomery

The family of Joseph Pettaway, killed by a police dog in Montgomery, Alabama, has settled a federal lawsuit against Officer Nicholas Barber who handled the animal. They plan to appeal a ruling clearing the city of responsibility. Pettaway was fatally bitten in 2018, prompting legal action against the city's police practices.

The family of Joseph Pettaway, who was killed by a police dog in Montgomery, Alabama, has agreed to settle their federal lawsuit against Officer Nicholas Barber. Their lawyers announced plans to appeal the ruling that absolved the city of responsibility.

The confidential settlement was reached in July regarding the 2019 lawsuit after Pettaway, 50, was fatally bitten by a K9 handled by Barber. Pettaway was working as a handyman in a small house when officers responded to a call about an unknown occupant. Barber released the dog, which bit Pettaway and severed his femoral artery, leading to his death.

Body camera recordings of the incident remain undisclosed, with the judge siding with the city's concern over potential protests. Pettaway's family continues to seek justice and closure.