K-9 attack teen sues
FROM STAFF REPORTS Gulf Breeze News news@gulfbreezenews.com

A lawsuit that stemmed from an incident at a Valentine's dance in 2005 finally made its way into court last week. Testimony began Sept. 17 and the jury began deliberations at 1 p.m. on Sept. 24.

In the lawsuit, Gulf Breeze High School graduate Addison Salter, 19, alleges two Escambia County Sheriff's deputies used excessive force when they released their dog on him more than two years ago.

The federal lawsuit was filed last year against Escambia County Deputies Tim Taylor and Jeremy Jarman.

Salter, who was 17 at the time, was arrested outside the invitation-only dance taking place at the Hadji Shrine Temple in Pensacola after a fight broke out.

Jarman, who was working security at the dance, said teens began to attack him when he attempted to breakup the fight. According to Jarman's testimony, he handcuffed the fighting teens and took them outside. Jarman said Salter followed him and put his hands around Jarman's neck.

The deputies both testified that Salter resisted arrest by swatting at them and ignoring their verbal commands. Witnesses said deputies released their dog from a patrol car and allowed it to attack Salter for at least 30 seconds.

Salter is suing both deputies for an undisclosed amount of money, citing economic losses from the injuries he sustained from the K-9.