TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - A Toledo Police K-9 has been labeled a dangerous dog by the Lucas County Dog Warden, but city officials aren't giving up on him.
JJ is one of nine K-9s on the TPD force. He lives with his handler, Officer Brett Kohlman, and his family. In June, JJ was in the Kohlmans' yard while the officer's son and a neighbor boy were playing.
According to police, the boys started playing a little rough, and that's when they believe JJ jumped in to protect his handler's son. He bit the neighbor boy on the back.
In what the City of Toledo's law director says is an unprecedented move, the dog warden labeled the K-9 a dangerous dog. Since then, JJ and Kohlman have gone back to the training facility for an evaluation.
The evaluation deemed JJ as a high-energy, high-drive dog, excellent for police work. After a series of tests, trainers say JJ showed no signs of aggression. They recommended Kohlman change the housing rules while JJ is at home with the family.
City Law Director Adam Loukx says he plans to appeal the dog warden's decision in court, but regardless, JJ will remain in service with TPD.
The family of the child bitten by JJ has also hired an attorney and contacted the City's law department. Loukx says the family is looking to possibly file a claim against the City.
