Body camera footage obtained by HuffPost shows a disturbing incident in which a police dog viciously attacked an unarmed Black man, Derrick Dunlap, during a traffic stop in Denison, Texas, in May 2023. The footage captured Officer Tyler Buchanan commanding the dog to attack Dunlap, who was in a grassy area with his hands up, trying to avoid the dog. Despite Dunlap’s pleas and cries of pain, Buchanan forcibly restrained him and handcuffed him while the dog continued to maul him. Dunlap’s 9-year-old son was present during the attack, adding to the distressing nature of the incident.
The footage revealed that Dunlap suffered numerous bite marks on his back as a result of the brutal attack by the police dog. He was later taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. Despite the severity of the incident, the Denison Police Department did not publicly acknowledge or address the incident. In response, Dunlap filed a lawsuit against Officer Buchanan in December, with attorney Daryl Washington advocating for full accountability for Buchanan’s actions. Washington also highlighted the challenges faced in holding the Denison Police Department accountable due to a culture of silence and lack of complaints from residents.
Attorney Daryl Washington emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in addressing the violent arrest of Derrick Dunlap. He condemned Officer Tyler Buchanan’s actions as “demeaning and hateful,” calling for Buchanan to be held fully accountable for his wrongful acts. The lawsuit filed by Dunlap against Buchanan aims to bring attention to the incident and seek justice for the trauma and physical injuries inflicted upon Dunlap during the police dog mauling. Washington expressed concerns about the lack of public acknowledgment or reprimand from the Denison Police Department regarding the incident.
The disturbing footage of the police dog attacking Derrick Dunlap in front of his young son during a routine traffic stop sheds light on issues of police brutality, accountability, and transparency within law enforcement. The incident highlighted the need for reform and oversight to address cases of excessive force and misconduct by officers. The lawsuit filed by Dunlap against Officer Buchanan serves as a call to action for holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions and preventing future instances of violence against unarmed individuals. The community, including residents of Denison, Texas, must advocate for police reform and transparency to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals.
