VIRGINIA BEACH — The Virginia Beach Police Department is conducting a use-of-force investigation after one of the agency’s dogs bit a teenager while officers were searching for a suspected burglar.
Officers were called to the 1800 block of Foxhound Lane around 7:57 p.m. on March 25 after a homeowner reported that a man had broken into their home and fled the area on foot, according to the VBPD.
The homeowner gave a physical description of the suspected burglar, and several officers searched the area, including a police K9 Unit.
About a block away from the incident, police found a teenage boy who they believed matched the homeowner’s description of the suspect. The K9 Team told the boy to stop, but he ran, so officers released a police dog on him who bit him, according to the VBPD.
Police gave the boy first-aid and he was taken to a local hospital to be treated for a non-life threatening injury, authorities said.
A suspect has not been identified and the case remains under investigation.
The VBPD is releasing few details about its internal investigation; however, investigators will examine why force was used, if it was necessary and if officers complied with training and legal standards.
