Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Iowa City Settles Police K-9 Bite Case for $49k

The City of Cedar Rapids settled a lawsuit related to a K-9 that bit a 13-year-old boy in 2020. However, the city attorney said that it is not an admission of fault. The settlement is $49,001.

by Staff
March 28, 2025
Iowa City Settles Police K-9 Bite Case for $49k

The City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, settled a K-9 bite lawsuit for $49,001.

Credit:

POLICE

2 min to read


The City of Cedar Rapids has settled a lawsuit in connection to a 2020 incident in which a police K-9 bit a 13-year-old boy. The teen gets $49,000 while his mother, who filed the lawsuit, will receive just $1.

According to the lawsuit, the dog bit the boy multiple times on his arm.

Ad Loading...

The city attorney said the settlement is not an admission of fault but rather related to continuing and significant legal costs incurred following the mistrial caused by a hung jury in the first trial, CBS2 reported.

The lawsuit had named both the police department’s K-9 unit and Officer Nathan Trimble.

“The City stands behind the actions of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Officer Trimble, and the canine unit. The City defended the case through trial and was preparing to do so again. However, given the first jury’s inability to reach a verdict and the possibility of a similar impasse in future trials, the City determined that settling was in the best interest of the taxpaying public,” the city attorney said in a statement.

K9 Ace, Trimble, and two other officers were at a park for training. According to The Gazette, when the dog was released, he attacked the young teen. The lawsuit claimed the officers were negligent in training and controlling the dog.

The police report of the incident indicated that when the dog was about 35 yards away, the K-9 handler noticed a change in his behavior. The dog then jumped on a picnic bench.

Ad Loading...

The officer ran over, and the dog had bitten the boy, who was on the ground beneath the bench. There was no body-worn camera documentation of the incident.


The officers reported they had no intent for the dog to attack; they were unaware the boy was in the park and did not suspect him of criminal activity.

More Patrol

poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →
flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →
Streamlight searchlight and a scene light on a tripod set against a darkened street scene and Streamlight logo across the top.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III

Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two camo magazine puches against a blue tinted police background and a logo for Tasmanian Tiger.
PatrolApril 22, 2026

Tasmanian Tiger Introduces the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4

Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.

Read More →
Police officer in a darkened hallway holding a flashlight and headline 5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights, and POLICE logo.
PatrolApril 16, 2026

5 Things to Know When Buying Patrol Lights

Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?

Read More →
Group of men and women seated in a circle around a room as one woman stands and leads discussion.
PatrolApril 9, 2026

Warriors Heart’s Mission to Serve America’s Veterans and First Responders

Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Black background with police card lights and logo for POLICE, with headline in yellow: How are LE Boots Different for Women
Patrolby Wayne ParhamApril 9, 2026

How are LE Boots Different for Women?

Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.

Read More →