Springdale residents will see a federal lawsuit involving a police K‑9 bite resolved after the City Council unanimously approved a $50,000 settlement on Tuesday, according to 4029tv.com. The case, Martinez v. Jacobs, was filed by Tony Santiago Martinez, who alleged that Officer Jordan Jacobs used excessive force by deploying his K‑9, Kratos, during an August 2022 domestic‑disturbance response.
Under the settlement terms, the Arkansas Municipal League will contribute $45,000 while the city will cover the remaining $5,000 from its general fund. The agreement does not contain an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the city, the Springdale Police Department, or any officer involved.
Court documents show officers were dispatched after a domestic disturbance call and were later warned that Martinez might be armed and had fled into a wooded area. After locating Martinez lying in tall grass, Jacobs issued multiple warnings before releasing Kratos. The dog bit Martinez’s left arm above the elbow for approximately 26 seconds before Jacobs removed the animal. Martinez was then handcuffed, given first aid, and transported to Northwest Medical Center; a subsequent search found no weapon.
Martinez’s attorneys argued he was unarmed, not resisting, and not attempting to escape when the K‑9 was deployed, claiming Jacobs failed to end the attack promptly, resulting in physical and psychological injuries. The defense countered that three supervisors reviewed the deployment and deemed it justified under department policy.
The lawsuit had been slated for a jury trial in federal court in Fort Smith this month, but the parties reached the settlement before the trial commenced, effectively closing the case once the agreement is finalized. The city’s resolution notes that Martinez must release his claims arising from the incident, and the settlement was recommended by the city attorney.
While both Martinez’s representatives and city officials declined to comment for 4029tv.com, the settlement provides closure for the community and avoids the costs and uncertainties of a trial. It also underscores the city’s willingness to resolve civil‑rights disputes while maintaining the police department’s operational policies.
What’s next: The settlement will be finalized in the coming weeks, after which the city will disburse the $5,000 from its general fund and the Arkansas Municipal League will provide its portion. No further legal action is anticipated, and the Springdale Police Department will continue its current K‑9 deployment guidelines.
Sources: 4029tv.com, 4029tv.com
