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The Associated Press
St. Paul

Woman attacked by police dog files lawsuit against St. Paul officer

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A woman who was attacked by a police dog is suing a St. Paul officer who handles the canine.

A lawsuit filed by Desiree Collins alleges Officer Thaddeus Schmidt had the dog on a 20-foot leash as he searched for two burglary suspects. Collins was taking out her trash in an alley behind her home when the dog attacked last September.

KARE-TV says the lawsuit maintains the dog attacked the 52-year-old woman while out of Schmidt's view and control due to the long leash. Collins says the dog latched on to her left leg and then her right arm. Police video shows the dog wouldn't let go of Collins' arm for about 30 seconds, despite Schmidt's commands.

St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell says it was a terrible accident that should not have occurred.