Cop sicced police dog on suspect lying down

TORONTO — A Toronto-area police officer pleaded guilty to assault after siccing his K-9 unit dog on a man who was lying down awaiting arrest.

York Region police Const. Michael Partridge admitted his role in the assault that left the man with minor injuries.

Partridge was originally charged with assault and assault with a weapon — the weapon being the dog — but he pleaded guilty to one count of assault Wednesday.

The Crown attorney called the officer’s actions an “excessive use of force.”

York police had been investigating break-and-enters in the region and had identified three men who had allegedly committed the crimes, according to an agreed statement of facts read in court.

Officers followed the men to a condo near the Gladstone Hotel. One of the suspects was arrested after he walked out of the condo.

Partridge was on scene with his police dog, Lex. Officers then were told another suspect had entered the condominium with another man, both of whom bolted.

Three officers caught one of the suspects, but the other got away.

The suspect — Median Jackson — sprinted into an alley, and lay down, winded, near a set of stairs.

An officer ordered Jackson face down. “Jackson was compliant, lying face down,” Crown attorney Peter Scrutton told court.

Partridge yelled out “Police, K9, you’re under arrest, come out,” court heard. Partridge released the dog.

The dog bit down on Jackson’s arm. Partridge then began kicking and punching Jackson. Sentencing is set for Sept. 27.