Florida Police K-9 Taken Out Of Service

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on March 3, 2015

A police dog lost his badge after a series of incidents where people were bitten and injured.

Renzo, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, had been with the Coconut Creek Police Department in Florida for about a year and a half. In November, the dog bit and injured a Coconut Creek officer. The dog had been tracking a suspect. The officer was off duty for several days because of the incident.

On February 11, Renzo burst from a squad car and attacked an employee at a Dunkin’ Donuts. The K-9 officer’s handler, Officer Carl DiBlasi, 53, had gone to the donut shop to meet with fellow officers. After getting food, one of the other officers began petting Renzo in the back of the patrol car. The dog lunged at the officer. DiBlasi warned the officer to back away, and he grabbed Renzo by the collar. The officer struggled to control the animal, and Renzo started to work his way out of the car.

The dog freed himself from DiBlasi’s grip and jumped out of the car. The officer screamed at the animal to stop. Renzo charged another officer and then quickly changed course and ran toward the donut shop employee. The employee was reaching into his car to grab an apron and saw the dog charging at him. He tried to jump into his car, but Renzo bit his back leg. He suffered four bites to his right calf and shin. DiBlasi had to forcibly remove the animal’s grip on the employee’s leg.

A paramedic arrived, and the employee was treated for his injuries. The donut shop employee is considering legal action.

An investigation was launched into Renzo’s behavior. The investigation concluded that the animal had viewed the other officer as threat to DiBlasi and had gone into protection mode. After the investigation, it was determined that Renzo had not conducted himself in a way that was conducive to being safe in public. The chief of the Coconut Creek Police Department decided to retire the animal. He will go to live with DiBlasi.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida dog bite accident, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.