City settles $500K lawsuit after escaped Portland Police K9 attacked couple

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland City Council agreed to settle a pending lawsuit for $500,000 on Oct. 9, which involved a couple that was viciously attacked by an escaped Portland Police Bureau K9 in Happy Valley on March 12, 2021.

The initial $1.7 million lawsuit was filed against the City of Portland and now-retired Portland Police Bureau K9 Unit Sgt. Jeffrey Dorn. According to the lawsuit, plaintiffs Jason and Kristina Norris were walking along a public footpath when an off-duty PPB K9 lunged at them, sinking his sharp teeth into Kristina Norris’ left forearm and dragging her to the ground.

When Mr. Norris attempted to pull K9 Siggi away from his wife, the dog allegedly turned his attack toward him, injuring Mr. Norris' left hand and right leg.

“[The Norrises], immobilized by their dire injuries and heavy bleeding, waited for several minutes in severe pain and agony for an ambulance to arrive,” the lawsuit reads. “Mrs. Norris sat on the curb, bleeding profusely from gaping wounds in her left forearm. Copious bleeding from Mr. Norris’ torn left hand and badly injured right leg pooled on the asphalt and trailed into the street gutter along the curb as he lay supine waiting for help.”

Portland Deputy City Attorney Mike Porter told the city council that the now-retired PPB K9 “Siggy,” escaped from Dorn’s yard by chewing through a wooden fence.

“Unfortunately, while loose, he attacked a couple who were walking their puppy,” Porter said. “Both individuals sustained injuries and required medical attention. While this incident is deeply regrettable, and the proposed settlement appropriate, it is important to know that Siggi had faithfully served the Portland Police Bureau for nearly seven years without any prior behavioral concerns or indications that such an event could occur.”

Porter stressed that, throughout his career, Dorn housed five different police K9s in the same yard without incident.

“The handler, who retired in the fall of 2023, was an experienced K9 handler, who served with distinction for many years, eventually retiring as the Sgt. of the K9 unit,” Porter said. “He was both surprised and saddened by this unfortunate event and deeply regrets that it occurred.”

Although he was not serving as chief when the attack occurred, PPB Chief Bob Day was in attendance for the city council discussion and took responsibility for the error.

“It’s important for me to be here to accept responsibility for when we fall short,” Day said. “That’s what we’re going to do this morning.”

The attack prompted PPB to update its policies regarding the housing and management of police K9s. The updated policies include mandatory annual inspections of all handlers yards. Per the new requirements, PPB K9s must also be kenneled or on a leash when they are not under the direct supervision of their handler. Mayor Ted Wheeler, who oversees the Portland Police Bureau, said he appreciated the steps taken by PPB to “ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”

“This event should absolutely not have happened,” Wheeler said. “I want to express my sincere apology to the Norrises, the injuries they received were significant, and frankly, we should be grateful that they were willing to settle.”

Following the attack, K9 Siggi was retired from PPB and sent to a facility in Texas that rehabilitates and houses working dogs.