Body camera footage obtained by HuffPost shows a disturbing incident in Denison, Texas, where a Black man named Derrick Dunlap was viciously attacked by a police dog during a traffic stop in front of his 9-year-old son. The stop occurred on May 25, 2023, reportedly because the light over Dunlap’s license plate was too dim. In the footage, an officer identified as Tyler Buchanan is heard commanding the dog to attack Dunlap, who is seen with his hands up in a grassy area. Despite Dunlap’s pleas and screams of pain, Buchanan continues to order the dog to bite him, ultimately leading to Dunlap being forcefully taken to the ground and handcuffed.
The video shows Dunlap being bitten multiple times by the police dog, resulting in visible bite marks on his back. His son can be heard in the background, pleading with the officer to stop hurting his father. Dunlap was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries and remains scarred from the attack. Despite the severity of the incident, the Denison Police Department never publicly acknowledged what happened. Dunlap filed a lawsuit against Buchanan in December, seeking accountability and justice for the traumatizing ordeal he endured.
Attorney Daryl Washington, who is representing Dunlap, condemned the actions of Officer Buchanan and emphasized the need for accountability within the police force. He pointed out that issues within the Denison Police Department often go unnoticed due to a culture of silence and fear of retribution among residents. Washington believes that small-town environments like Denison allow for misconduct to go unchecked, as fewer people are willing to come forward with complaints. The lack of response from the police department regarding the footage and lawsuit further raises concerns about transparency and oversight in addressing police misconduct.
Despite the public outcry and legal action taken by Dunlap, the Denison Police Department has not issued a statement or responded to inquiries about the incident. The lack of accountability and transparency surrounding the violent arrest of Dunlap raises questions about the department’s commitment to upholding civil rights and ensuring the safety of all community members. Washington called for Buchanan to be held fully accountable for his actions, stressing the need for consequences when law enforcement officers abuse their power and engage in harmful behavior. It remains unclear whether any disciplinary measures have been taken against Buchanan or other individuals involved in the incident.
The disturbing footage of Derrick Dunlap being attacked by a police dog highlights the ongoing systemic issues of police brutality and racial bias in law enforcement. The traumatic experience endured by Dunlap and his son serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for police reform and accountability measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As the case continues to unfold, advocates and community members are calling for justice and transparency in addressing police misconduct and ensuring that law enforcement officers are held to the highest standards of accountability and integrity.
