Trial News

Christopher Bartlett, 46, suffered from mental illness and was homeless. While a pretrial detainee at the Columbia County jail, he asked a sheriff’s deputy to bring a lunch tray to his cell and then called the deputy a disparaging name. Several officers, including a K9 officer, attempted to remove Bartlett from his cell and asked him to place his hands through his food port. Bartlett refused. The officers opened Bartlett’s cell and the K9 officer ordered the animal to attack. Bartlett was bitten for approximately 20 seconds and suffered puncture wounds to his bicep and upper thigh.

Bartlett sued the county, alleging assault and battery, neglience, and violation of 42 U.S.C. §1983.

The defense argued that the plaintiff was known to be violent and had been throwing things before the incident, which could have been avoided had he complied with the officers' instructions.

The plaintiff accepted the defendant’s $251,000 offer of judgment.

Citation: Bartlett v. Dews, No. 3:18-CV-00807-BR (D. Or. Oct. 30, 2018).

Plaintiff counsel: Jacob Johnstun, St. Helens, Ore.