Conn. suspect sues after police dog bite

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Newsday.com

March 12, 2009

BRIDGEPORT, Conn.

A Connecticut man bitten by a police dog after a car chase has filed a federal lawsuit accusing a Bridgeport officer of ordering the dog to attack him after he surrendered.

Bryan Cascio of Stratford filed the lawsuit Wednesday alleging excessive force, assault and battery by police. He is also claiming a pattern of excessive force by the same officer and the police department. He is seeking unspecified damages.

The Bridgeport city attorney could not be reached for comment.

The lawsuit says Cascio was on his knees surrendering after the car chase in February 2008 ended when Officer Mark Martocchio sicced the dog, Lugo, on him. Cascio says the dog scratched him and bit him near his left armpit, damaging veins, arteries and nerves.