The Springdale City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to settle a federal civil‑rights lawsuit stemming from a 2022 police K‑9 encounter that left a man with a serious bite wound. The settlement totals $50,000, with $45,000 contributed by the Arkansas Municipal League and $5,000 paid from the city’s general fund.
Background of the case
The lawsuit, Martinez v. Jacobs, was filed by Tony Santiago Martinez against Springdale police officer Jordan Jacobs. Martinez alleged that Officer Jacobs used excessive force when he released the department’s K‑9, Kratos, during an August 2022 incident. According to court filings, police were initially dispatched to a domestic disturbance involving Martinez. Officers later received a tip that Martinez might be armed and fled into a wooded area.
When officers located Martinez lying in tall grass, Jacobs reportedly issued multiple verbal warnings before ordering Kratos to engage. The dog bit Martinez’s left arm above the elbow for roughly 26 seconds before Jacobs intervened and removed the animal. After the bite, officers handcuffed Martinez, provided first aid, and called for medical assistance. Martinez was transported to Northwest Medical Center, and a subsequent search did not uncover any weapon.
Claims and defenses
Martinez’s attorneys argued that he was unarmed, not resisting, and not attempting to flee when the K‑9 was deployed, and that Officer Jacobs failed to stop the attack promptly, causing both physical and psychological injuries. The defense, citing three supervising officers, maintained that the K‑9 deployment was justified under department policy and that proper warnings were given.
The case was scheduled for a jury trial this month in federal court in Fort Smith, but the parties reached a settlement before the trial began. The settlement agreement does not include any admission of liability or wrongdoing by the city, its police department, or its officers.
Settlement details and next steps
The city’s resolution approving the settlement requires Martinez to release all claims arising from the incident. The resolution also notes that the settlement was recommended by the city attorney. Once the agreement is finalized, the federal lawsuit will be closed.
Both Martinez’s representatives and city officials declined to comment when contacted by 40/29 News.
Implications for the community
While the settlement resolves the legal dispute, it also highlights the importance of clear department policies on K‑9 deployments and the need for transparent communication with the public. Springdale residents can expect the city to continue reviewing its law‑enforcement practices to ensure they align with community expectations and constitutional standards.
Local officials have indicated that the settlement will not affect the city’s overall budget, given the modest amount and the contribution from the Arkansas Municipal League.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
