K-9 bite during arrest sparks excessive force suit against Bloomington Police and 3 officers

Posted on February 24, 2022

In a statement, Bloomington’s city government “believes that officers acted appropriately during the course of his arrest,” and has assigned counsel to defend the city and its officers. (Facebook/City of Bloomington – Police)

BLOOMINGTON – A man has filed a federal lawsuit claiming Bloomington Police used excessive force when the department’s K-9 knocked him to the ground and bit him two years ago.

Todd Kelly said in the complaint that he was unarmed and complied with police commands when Officer Justin Shively directed his K-9 Ryker to knock Kelly to the ground and bite him at a Bloomington hotel in February 2020.

Kelly’s lawsuit said he was startled and jumped out of a rear window of his room when police started to ram the front door.

Kelly alleges that two other officers, Todd Walcott and Stephen Brown, “failed to take any reasonable steps” to stop Shively or the dog.

Kelly said he was treated at a local hospital and suffered nerve damage to his right hand and arm.

He’s seeking unspecified financial damages for physical pain and suffering, and emotional distress, plus compensation for medical expenses.

In a statement, Bloomington’s city government “believes that officers acted appropriately during the course of his arrest,” and has assigned counsel to defend the city and its officers.

In the statement, the city noted Kelly is currently awaiting sentencing in Woodford County and facing several pending cases in McLean County.

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