WAUWATOSA, Wis. — A woman bit by a security K9 at Mayfair Mall has filed a lawsuit claiming negligence on the part of the mall, the security company, and the K9 handler.
Previous coverage: Woman bitten by K9 at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa hires attorney; private security company responds
Amirah Walls, 19, was at Mayfair Mall the evening of Friday, March 28 when an altercation broke out.
K9 handler, Malcom Ingram, who was employed by Andy Frain Services, Inc., dropped the leash to the dog, named Blue, as he was trying to break up the fight, the lawsuit claimed.
Previous coverage: K9 Handler terminated after dog bite at Mayfair Mall
Blue bit Walls' ankle once, let go, and then bit her again. The second time, he clamped down on her ankle and refused to let go despite attempts made by Ingram, according to the lawsuit.
"The injuries are severe," Walls' attorney, B'Ivory LaMarr said.
The incident was captured on cellphone video and was widely circulated on social media.
LaMarr said his client was not the aggressor and was trying to prevent others from attacking her friend when the bite occurred.
Previous coverage: Woman's video shows altercation before security K9 bite at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa
Ingram told police that Walls tried to kick him, which provoked the attack.
According to the police report, Ingram was fired after the incident, and Blue was transferred to Indiana.
"We would have loved the opportunity to be able to have a behavioral expert be able to test that dog very soon. But now that we hear that he's out of state, ya know he could be getting re-trained at this very moment," LaMarr added.
The lawsuit alleged Blue's transfer prevented the dog from being quarantined for the mandatory 10 days required by law.
"We have to move very quickly to be able to preserve evidence and make sure that the interest of Ms Walls is protected," LaMarr said.
Previous coverage: Expert says video of K9 bite at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa should spark questions about training
The lawsuit also alleged that mall security did not mention a dog bite in the initial report, which prevented a police investigation until Walls personally reported the incident to Wauwatosa Police the following day.
"They were told that everything had been resolved that the parties are gone, and that there is no need to follow up with any type of disorderly investigation anything of that sort. Everything is okay," LaMarr explained.
The lawsuit claimed negligence on Andy Frain Services, Inc. for not providing sufficient training or supervision for K9 handlers, among other issues.
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